49ers GM John Lynch makes feelings known about George Kittle after TE's $76,400,000 contract extension

Modified Apr 29, 2025 14:55 GMT

NFL: San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals - Source: Imagn — 49ers GM John Lynch makes feelings known about George Kittle after TE's $76,400,000 contract extension - Source: Imagn

The San Francisco 49ers signed star tight end George Kittle to a four-year, $76.4 million extension on Tuesday.

Kittle had one year left on his deal, and the 49ers rewarded him with an extension to keep him with the only team he's ever played for. The deal will keep him in San Francisco through the 2029 season and includes $40 million in guaranteed money.

After the contract was made official, 49ers general manager John Lynch opened up on the decision to extend Kittle.

"In 2017, our first year with the 49ers, we selected a skinny tight end from Iowa whom we were really excited about. We had high hopes, but no one knew that he would become the player that he is today," president of football operations and general manager John Lynch said in a statement.

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Lynch continued:

"George's leadership, enthusiasm for the game, for his teammates, and the Faithful are truly unique and special. He is an outstanding representation for the 49ers on the field and is an outstanding representative for the organization off the field with his investment in the local and military communities. He has a great sense of pride in his role and has put in the work to be one of the best tight ends in the NFL."

Kittle has spent his entire career with the 49ers. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by San Francisco.

Kittle has been one of the best tight ends in the NFL as he's a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time First Team All-Pro.

George Kittle wanted to remain with the 49ers

George Kittle had made it clear he wanted to be a San Francisco 49er for life.

Despite the 49ers having a disappointing season last year, Kittle still wanted to be part of the group. After the season ended, Kittle told ESPN that he wanted to get an extension done quickly.

"My goal is to wear the red and gold my entire career," Kittle told ESPN on Jan. 5.

Kittle has been a focal point of the 49ers' offense since coming into the league. Last season with San Francisco, Kittle recorded 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and 6 touchdowns in only 15 games.

Kittle will be entering his ninth season in the NFL in 2025.

About the author

Cole is an NHL, NFL and College Sports reporter at Sportskeeda with over 7 years of experience writing for publications like CBC, USA Today, SMG, BJPENN, Sherdog and SB Nation.

An NHL fan his whole life, Cole played rep hockey in Canada from age 5 until 17 and grew up rooting for Martin St. Louis and the Tampa Bay Lightning. His all-time favorite players are Vincent Lecavalier and Steven Stamkos, while Jon Cooper is his favorite coach of all time.

Cole attended Sheridan College and received his journalism degree in 2019. After decades of watching and reporting, he considers his knowledge of sports as his primary strength. He ensures that the same story has been reported by at least two reputed reporters before creating it.

Cole enjoys playing golf and spending time with friends and family when not reporting breaking stories. His favorite sports moment is from the 2010 Olympics, when Sidney Crosby scored the golden goal in overtime to beat Team USA for the gold medal.

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Edited by Cole Shelton