For the first time all offseason there are indications that the 49ers and George Kittle are coming together on the most lucrative contract for a tight end in NFL history. After several reports that the sides weren’t close on an extension, most recently from NFL Network’s Mike Silver on Monday, NBC Sports Matt Maiocco reported the two sides are making “healthier progress” on an extension.
The sides have not reached any agreement, league sources indicated Wednesday to NBC Sports Bay Area, but they appear to be making “healthier progress” toward a deal that is expected to make Kittle the highest-paid tight end in the NFL by a wide margin.
Given Kittle’s importance to the 49ers’ offense and the potential disaster a prolonged contract dispute could’ve led to, any word on progress on a deal is good news for San Francisco.
Silver reported the disagreement stems from Kittle’s positional designation. The 49ers want to pay him as a tight end, while he’s eyeing money equal to a more lucrative position.
He’s been the team’s leading receiver the last two seasons, and his run blocking helped pave the way for the NFL’s No. 2 rushing attack last season.
Kittle’s value to the 49ers is undeniable, and getting a contract done before the start of the year would eliminate the biggest question mark hovering over a club looking to get back to the Super Bowl.