49ers Extend George Kittle Amid Optimism for Offensive Rebound

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is widely regarded as one of the NFL's best at his position, ranking second in a recent league-wide poll behind Brock Bowers. Despite the 49ers' disappointing 2024 season, Kittle remains optimistic about the team's prospects for 2025, particularly with key players like quarterback Brock Purdy and running back Christian McCaffrey returning healthy and secured to long-term contracts. Kittle's elite performance in 2024 included leading all tight ends in yards per target and yards per game, earning him a four-year, $76.4 million contract extension to remain with the 49ers. He attributes his longevity and success to his dedication to continuous improvement, including meticulous offseason and post-practice routines. Kittle emphasizes the importance of tight ends in modern NFL offenses, citing the role of elite players like Kelce and Gronkowski in recent Super Bowl champions. He also expressed confidence in the team's offensive weapons and the goal of supporting Purdy to maximize his impact on the field.