On Wednesday, The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that, according to sources, tight end George Kittle's absence from the start of the San Francisco 49ers' offseason program is contract-related. However, Kittle quickly refuted the report, posting on social media, "Your source is incorrect."

Kittle is entering the final year of his contract. Since signing his deal in 2020, three tight ends have surpassed his annual salary. While he didn't report to Santa Clara this week, Kittle typically skips this portion of the offseason program, which is voluntary, preferring to train in Nashville, Tennessee.


Russini expanded on the situation during her latest Scoop City podcast (h/t Grant Cohn of Sports Illustrated), stating that Kittle is seeking a new deal worth around $20 million per year, up from his current $15 million annual salary—once again aiming to be the highest-paid tight end in the NFL.

After Kittle disputed her initial report, Russini stood by her sources, saying, "And there was just so many people sharing about this, that I knew it wasn't wrong, and it's not wrong."

According to Russini, the 49ers have made Kittle an offer that includes more guaranteed money than any other tight end has received. However, the proposed deal does not exceed the $19 million annual mark currently earned by Trey McBride.

"While I'm sure George is mad that it's out there," Russini said, "the truth of the matter is he wants to be paid, and I think he knows that, maybe, perhaps the San Francisco 49ers aren't willing to go that high."

Russini still believes the two sides will eventually meet in the middle on a contract, and a deal will get done.


"George Kittle is a cornerstone of this team," she said. "Kyle Shanahan loves him. He loves the San Francisco 49ers. I don't see this getting ugly. Now, that being said, I've not heard anyone talking about trades, but it is draft weekend, right? Who knows? Maybe a team makes a call. You never know."


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

"We'll see on that," Lynch responded. "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."

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