The voluntary offseason workouts for NFL teams began last week. While they are not mandatory, rumors swirl when certain players do not attend. One of those players was San Francisco 49ers' tight end George Kittle.
Former Iowa and current Niners' star George Kittle was noticeably absent from the voluntary workouts. After he skipped the workouts, reports surfaced that he was purposely skipping them because he did not have a new contract.
In 2021, Kittle signed a five-year, 95 million dollar contract extension and was entering the final year of that deal. He was adamant that skipping the voluntary workouts had nothing to do with his ongoing contract discussions.
After The Athletic's Dianna Russini stated on X that Kittle was not at the workouts due to his contract, he replied, "Your sources are incorrect."
After the Niners' season ended in January, Kittle stated he wanted to be a 49er for the rest of his career. On Tuesday, he got his wish.
The Niners announced they extended Kittle by inking him to a four-year, 76.4 million dollar contract. His contract averages 19.1 million dollars annually, making him the highest-paid NFL tight end.
After locking up the star tight end, it is a dream scenario for Kittle and the 49ers organization. Kittle wanted to stay, and the organization wants him to retire in the Bay. Kittle could not be happier.
While signing his new contract, Kittle said he wanted to pinch himself. He celebrated the signing with his wife, Claire Kittle, and 49ers General Manager John Lynch.
Last season, Kittle tallied 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns on 78 receptions during another productive year.