NFL analyst names potential landing spot for 49ers star George Kittle

George Kittle was at the Super Bowl 11 months ago and now, he's fighting for his seat at the NFL table. The 49ers star tight end delivered as consistently as any player on the field in the Monday Night Football showdown against the Detroit Lions, racking up eight catches for 112 yards and he wasn't doing it just for fun.

At least, that is what one NFL analyst believes. On Tuesday's edition of "Pro Football Talk," Mike Florio claimed the performance was a statement.

[00:03:36] "He popped last night any time he had the ball in his hands and I think the message is simple: 'I can still play and don't try to come with me in the off-season and get me to take less to still be here. Because if you want to cut me, I still got it. And one of these other contenders out there, like maybe the Lions will want me,'" Florio said.

Of course, the Detroit Lions are relatively strong at tight end with Sam LaPorta, but adding Kittle would likely take a strong room and make it one of the best in the business.

Exploring George Kittle's contract situation with 49ers

George Kittle at Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers - Source: Imagn

George Kittle has the third-most receiving yards of any tight end in the NFL this season, per Statmuse. However, he also has a contract heading into the danger zone.

The 49ers tight end is heading into the final year of his five-year, $75 million deal. After the deal concludes at the end of the 2025 season, Kittle will be 33. If he hits free agency, any team, from the Seattle Seahawks to the Miami Dolphins, could get him. According to Spotrac, his final year is set to be his most lucrative, with a cap hit of roughly $22 million and a roughly $20 million dead cap hit.

As such, no matter how the team slices it, Kittle will be owed a substantial amount of cash in his final year. However, it will be up to Kittle to decide if he wants to remain with the team into 2026 and beyond. If he feels that way, the 49ers suddenly have leverage to potentially cut down the cap hit and spread it back into the future.

If George Kittle is willing to walk out on the 49ers after the 2025 season and test the market, that might be his most lucrative option. Could Kittle turn his back on the San Francisco 49ers, a team he has spent the last seven years with?

If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Pro Football Talk," and H/T Sportskeeda.