5 players 49ers could theoretically trade away this year
By Peter Panacy
Crazy 49ers trade No. 4: George Kittle
An excellent 2022 campaign ultimately saved tight end George Kittle‘s reputation after his numbers declined noticeably the previous two seasons, and it’s no coincidence he lost touches in favor of other weapons like wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk.
Kittle finished last year with 760 receiving yards on 60 catches for a career-best 11 touchdowns, yet that helps illustrate the crazy trade scenario.
Sell high.
For starters, Kittle will turn 30 years old this upcoming season. If he’s not already past his prime, it’s much closer now than it was during his All-Pro 2019 campaign. On top of that, Kittle’s contract will jump up to $18 million in 2023, $19.8 million in 2024 and $17.5 million the year after that.
Not cheap, especially if the Niners are also looking to involve Samuel and running back Christian McCaffrey more.
If San Francisco got crazy, it could find a team willing to spend money (and draft assets) to trade for a wild personality like Kittle, especially if he helped sell jerseys.