49ers' Kittle signs 4-year extension reportedly worth $76.4M

The San Francisco 49ers announced Tuesday that tight end George Kittle agreed to terms on a four-year extension.

Kittle's new deal is worth $76.4 million and includes $40 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. His reported $19.1-million annual salary eclipses the $19 million earned by Arizona Cardinals star Trey McBride.

The 31-year-old Kittle continued to prove that he's among the best players at his position in 2024. He led the Niners with 78 catches for 1,106 receiving yards and eight touchdowns last season.

The extension comes just days after Kittle showed up to the Niners' facility to take part in the team's voluntary workout amid speculation he was holding out for a new deal.

The six-time Pro Bowler denied that his absence for the start of the offseason program had anything to do with contract negotiations. He was set to enter the final year of a five-year, $75-million extension he signed in 2020 and was due to carry a $22-million cap hit in 2025.

Kittle is among just five tight ends to post four or more 1,000-yard campaigns. The Iowa product has recorded 7,380 career yards on 538 receptions and 45 touchdowns over eight seasons with the Niners.

The 49ers have seen the departure of several starters this offseason. Deebo Samuel, Javon Hargrave, Jordan Mason, and Leonard Floyd are among the players who have parted ways with the organization in recent months.

The 49ers' focus will now likely turn to negotiating an extension for quarterback Brock Purdy. The 2022 seventh-round pick is due to earn $5.3 million in base salary next season, according to Over the Cap. Standout linebacker Fred Warner is also eyeing a new deal despite having two years remaining on his contract.