Anonymous team offering second round pick for George Kittle triggered 49ers to extend the TE’s contract

The 49ers offered George Kittle a historic contract right after an anonymous NFL team proposed a trade involving him in exchange for a second-round pick.

Anonymous team offering second round pick for George Kittle triggered 49ers to extend the TE’s contract

George Kittle (Image via IMAGO)

Each NFL team has a few players who are essentially the lifeline of their franchise. For the Kansas City Chiefs, those players are Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones; for the Philadelphia Eagles, it is Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and A.J. Brown. For the 49ers, it is Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, and George Kittle.

The star tight end occupies a special place in the hearts of Niners Nation. Since being drafted in 2017, Kittle has stayed in the Bay Area and cemented his legacy as one of the best tight ends to play in the NFL. Despite knowing this, one NFL team attempted to take a shot in the dark and seek a trade involving George Kittle during the 2025 NFL Draft.

As per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, one NFL franchise chose to roll the dice by proposing a trade involving George Kittle in exchange for its second-round pick. The idea by itself sounds preposterous, asking the 49ers to trade George Kittle? And in exchange for a second-round pick? It has all the makings of a late April Fool’s prank.

However, this was no prank. The 49ers wasted no time in turning down the franchise, and to show their continued faith in Kittle, they made him a realistic offer, one which was too good to turn down. John Lynch and the 49ers signed Kittle to a record $76.4 million deal, which will keep him in the Bay Area for another four years.

I know there was a team that had a conversation with the 49ers the night before the draft about a possible trade for Kittle, a second-rounder, they were going to get in return. They turned it down, the 49ers decided to keep him, and really move this situation forward by getting a deal done.

Dianna Russini said to Chase Daniel on Scoop City

It was not surprising to see Kittle and the 49ers agree to an extension. The tight end wants to end his career playing for one team, and San Francisco understands the value he brings to the team.

The team proposing the trade is likely to have done so due to the 49ers’ recent moves. The franchise parted ways with Deebo Samuel, Dre Greenlaw, and Charvarius Ward, all deemed integral players. As the team attempted to free up cap space and bring aboard fresh talent, the franchise likely proposed such a deal, assuming Kittle, too, was on the trading block for the right price.

The 49ers offering George Kittle a historic contract is surprising

The average age of retirement for a tight end in the NFL is 33-34 years. After the age of 31, tight ends begin to decline. They lose their athleticism, speed and become susceptible to injuries. Usually, this leads to teams avoiding spending huge amounts on them. Kittle will turn 32 this year, which is why it is surprising to see that San Francisco took a huge gamble by offering him this deal.

George Kittle's latest contract eclipses the deals of his peers in the NFL
George Kittle’s latest contract eclipses the deals of his peers in the NFL (Image via IMAGO)

However, looking at the bigger picture, the organization understands what Kittle brings to the table. He is much bigger than the game of football in San Francisco. Few players have given back to the community as much as Kittle has.

His professionalism on the field has been impeccable, Kittle is a vocal figure in the locker room who constantly motivates his teammates. His community service is laudable as he continues to be charitable and actively engages with fans. He has a soft spot for those in the military community due to his family’s affiliation with serving their country.

From hosting families of veterans and actively serving members to donating tickets and meeting them in person on game day, Kittle has left no stone unturned in helping them. His contract marks a milestone for tight ends looking to negotiate contracts in the coming years.

Kittle’s deal comes with an average annual value of $19.1 million, eclipsing Trey McBride’s recent deal that pays him $19 million per year. Furthermore, the $35 million guaranteed as a signing bonus is the most offered for any tight end.

Also Read: Sean McVay looking to extend Matthew Stafford era a little longer