Considering his current contractual standoff, George Kittle might be looking at his final year with the 49ers, especially if they do this one thing.
It's not hard to pinpoint the drama and conflict between All-Pro tight end George Kittle and the San Francisco 49ers.
If anything, a Hollywood series could take into account all the different factors and X-factors to make a watchable show.
Kittle, of course, is aiming for a contract extension as he enters the final year of his current deal, one that pays him an annual average of $15 million. But that extension is likely being held up by the Niners' ongoing discussions with quarterback Brock Purdy and his own contract prospects, which could stretch out deeper into the offseason.
Muddying the waters is the fact Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride just became the NFL's highest-paid tight end at $19 million per season, leading some to report how Kittle now wants to reclaim the top spot on a deal that could reach north of $20 million.
Kittle refuted that publicly, but it doesn't necessarily bury the issue entirely.
Convoluting matters is the fact the 2025 NFL Draft is chock full of quality tight end prospects. Considering Kittle will turn 32 years old this season, and despite having played yet another elite 1,000-yard campaign the year prior, what if San Francisco is making the hard decision of life after Kittle?
The 2025 draft should provide some clarity.
NFL Draft will reveal a lot about how 49ers feel about George Kittle's future
The 49ers have made serious attempts this offseason to not only get younger but also cheaper, highlighted by the blockbuster trade of wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders last March.
By any account, moving on from Kittle sooner than later would be in line with that modus operandi. Except Kittle is a fan-favorite cornerstone and remains the best all-around player in the league at his position.
Armed with 11 picks in this year's draft, including the 11th overall selection, it wouldn't be shocking if the Niners grabbed one of the many promising tight ends in this class. And if a would-be tight end is selected on day three, per se, it wouldn't exactly be seen as a threat to Kittle's long-term status on the roster.
However, if San Francisco uses one of its four picks in the first three rounds, it could indicate the inevitable conclusion of Kittle's tenure in the Bay Area, one that might arrive sooner than later.
It's not like this is just random speculation. There's been chatter about the 49ers potentially using their first pick on a true blue-chip prospect in Penn State tight end Tyler Warren if he slips out of the top 10.
Should that happen, Kittle suddenly becomes the "has been" who'd enter what'd likely be his final year with the Niners in 2025.
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