49ers Top 20 for '20: #3 George Kittle

George Kittle is the best tight end in football. There is no argument to be made against it. No tight end does for his team what George Kittle does for the San Francisco 49ers.

Kittle is an unstoppable force in the passing game, displaying an elite ability to gain yards after the catch with the ball in his hands. In 2018 Kittle set the NFL record for receiving yards for a tight end with 1,377. That alone exemplifies the value he brings to the offense, but when you pair his ability catching the ball with his blocking ability, you really begin to see what makes Kittle so special.

Not only does Kittle excel on the field, he is essential to the success of the 49ers off the field. Kittle brings a jovial attitude to the game that is infectious. A leader in every sense of the word, he lifts the spirits of the team when it's down and comes up big when it counts. Pay this man all the money.

2019 Performance

An injury caused Kittle to miss 2 games in 2019. In 14 games Kittle posted 85 receptions, 1,053 yards and 5 touchdowns. Pro Football Focus gave George Kittle the highest grade it has ever given a player at any position, a 95.0. There are no comparisons to be made. George Kittle is in a class of his own.

2020 Cost

George Kittle's cap hit for 2020 is $2.2 million. That number may not hold, as there has been plenty of buzz regarding Kittle receiving a contract extension prior to the 2020 season. When he does get paid, Kittle will reset the tight end market which currently pays the highest paid tight ends around $10 million per year. Kittle will make significantly more than that, expect him to be pulling in close to $12-14 million per year. Money well spent.