George Kittle, the dynamic tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, has been making quite an impact on the field since the team drafted him in 2017. From being a fifth-round pick to becoming one of the most dominant tight ends in the league, Kittle’s rise has been nothing short of impressive. His stellar play earned him a big payday in 2020, securing his place among the NFL’s highest-paid players at his position.
In August 2020, Kittle signed a five-year, $75 million contract extension with the 49ers. This deal included a $40 million guarantee and an $18 million signing bonus. With an average of $15 million per year, it was a reflection of Kittle’s value as one of the league’s top tight ends. The contract included a mix of guaranteed money and performance-based incentives, ensuring that Kittle would continue to be well-compensated for his efforts on the field.
In March 2024, Kittle’s contract was restructured to free up cap space for the 49ers. They converted $12.19 million of his 2024 salary into a signing bonus, allowing the team to clear nearly $10 million in cap space. As a result, Kittle’s base salary for 2024 is now $1.21 million, with an additional $12.19 million restructure bonus and a $100,000 workout bonus. His cap hit for the season stands at $12.2 million, while his dead cap value remains significant at $30.5 million. This restructuring allowed the 49ers to keep Kittle financially secure while giving them more room to make other moves.
Kittle’s Restructured Deal And On-Field Success Benefit Both Himself And The 49ers
Kittle’s contract has a good balance of guaranteed money and bonuses that reward him for his performance. The restructure in 2024 gave the 49ers some immediate cap relief while ensuring Kittle would continue to earn a significant amount in the process. It’s a win-win situation that benefits both the player and the team.
Kittle’s play on the field speaks for itself. In the 2024 season, he has amassed 60 receptions for 861 yards and 8 touchdowns in just 12 games, averaging 14.4 yards per reception. Over the course of his career, Kittle has accumulated 520 catches, 7,135 yards, and 45 touchdowns across 110 games. His career average is 13.7 yards per catch. Along with five Pro Bowl selections, Kittle has earned two All-Pro honors (2019, 2023), proving he’s one of the top tight ends in the game.
Kittle’s contract and performance go hand-in-hand, showcasing just how valuable he is to the 49ers. With his restructured deal, the 49ers have managed to keep cap space open for other roster moves while locking in one of their most important players for years to come. As long as Kittle is on the field, he’ll continue to be an important member of the team’s offense.
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