“CAN YOU SMELL… WHAT THE NINERS. ARE. COOKING!!??” – George Kittle (probably)
The 49ers have signed All-Pro TE George Kittle to a 5-year, $75M extension. After inking this deal, Kittle will become the highest paid TE ever, and blow out the rest of the positions market.
Known as ‘The People’s Tight End’ Kittle has taken his game to the next level since entering the league in 2017. Although HC Shanahan bases his offense off of a run-first scheme, Kittle has found ways to dominate opposing defenses in both receiving and run-blocking. A physical specimen, defenses have made it a priority to limit Kittle’s play-making abilities. As the 49ers primary receiver, George Kittle has led all TE’s and WR’s in broken tackles over the past three seasons.
Including his strength and endurance to shake off defenders, Kittle’s YAC gives him the ability to extend plays and move the ball down the field (something a lot of TE’s don’t do anymore).
The resume speaks for itself, as Kittle has been nothing short of spectacular, as he has the most receiving yards ever in his first three seasons by a TE.
Not only has George Kittle established himself as a Top 15 player in football, but his impact on the league so far has changed the way TE’s will be paid, and how teams line up against him. Both the Seahawks and Cardinals have added talented, young players to stop the 26 year old, as Seattle recently acquired All-Pro S Jamaal Adams, and Arizona drafted LB-Hybrid Isaiah Simmons.
Although those two were acquired to add talent to those defenses, both will be given the challenge of lining up against Kittle twice a season. Teams will attempt to minimize his pass-catching ability – making it harder for Jimmy Garoppolo to find open targets.
It was a MUST for the 49ers and George Kittle to reach an agreement on a deal, as he remains a center-piece of this franchise. With more than half guaranteed and an $18M signing bonus, the All-Pro will play for the Red and Gold till 2025, in hopes of returning to the Super Bowl and coming out victorious.
Kittle will be back, and he will return with a vengeance.
Photo: Lachlan Cunningham / Getty Images
