Tight end George Kittle was noticeably absent as the San Francisco 49ers kicked off their offseason program on Tuesday, and he's not expected to join his teammates this week. While Kittle often skips these workouts to continue training in Nashville, Tennessee, this year's absence appears to have a different motivation.

According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, Kittle's absence is contract-related, with sources indicating that the 49ers and the tight end remain "far apart" in negotiations.



Update: Kittle has refuted Russini's report.

"Kittle wants to become the NFL's highest-paid tight end, per a league source," Russini wrote in a feature for The Athletic. "... San Francisco's offers to Kittle have thus far been rebuffed, and the two sides remain apart as Kittle, who will be 32 in October, enters the final year of his deal. I'm told no trade request has been made, but other teams are keeping an eye on it."

All offseason activities remain voluntary until June's mandatory minicamp. Quarterback Brock Purdy, who is also navigating contract negotiations, did report to the team this week.

General manager John Lynch was asked Tuesday whether Kittle's contract status could impact his attendance once organized team activities (OTAs) begin.

"We'll see on that," Lynch said. "You know, these things are voluntary right now, but again, with that, we've had good communication, good talks, and we'll see where that goes."


Phase One of the offseason program is limited to meetings, strength and conditioning, and physical rehabilitation.

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