George Kittle is now the highest-paid tight end in the NFL, securing a four-year contract extension worth $76.4 million with the San Francisco 49ers. This deal includes a staggering $40 million in guarantees, with $35 million payable upon signing and $5 million in 2027. Kittle's average annual salary climbs to $19.1 million, surpassing the previous record set by Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals.

Having entered the final year of his previous contract, Kittle missed the start of the offseason workouts, but with his extension finalized, he is set to rejoin his team. The 49ers face a significant offseason, needing to manage other key extensions, particularly for quarterback Brock Purdy. As Kittle heads into his ninth NFL season, he is coming off consecutive seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards and multiple Pro Bowl selections.