The 49ers and their star tight end George Kittle aren’t close on contract extension according to the most recent reporting from NFL Media’s Mike Silver. A rift in contract talks and an offseason program disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t kept the First-Team All-Pro from working.
Kittle is spending his offseason in Nashville where graphic designer Mike Stadlman is photographing his workout sessions. The photos indicate Kittle hasn’t been impacted by the lack of team-organized offseason activities.
Kittle already told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco that he’s planning on attending camp instead of holding out before the final year of his rookie deal.
Staying in prime shape is going to be key for a player like Kittle who gets a high usage rate in the 49ers offense and plays with such a physical style. His ability to move defensive ends in the run game was a key to the 49ers putting together the No. 2 rushing attack in the NFL last season.
Offseason workouts don’t mean a ton if the player doesn’t produce. But after three excellent seasons, it’s hard to imagine Kittle won’t continue his ascension to the pinnacle of his position in the NFL. A ‘best shape of his life’ version of Kittle should once again be one of the most dominant players in the NFL. Now it’s up to the 49ers and Kittle’s reps to come together on a contract extension that keeps Kittle in San Francisco well beyond the 2020 campaign.
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