This news came from Russini’s ‘Scoop City’ podcast. Russini reports that an unnamed team offered the 49ers a second-round pick in exchange for Kittle’s services, but the Niners declined the trade and signed him to a four-year extension days later. A second-round pick sounds like solid compensation for Kittle, who will be 32 at the start of this season, but the Niners clearly thought the two-time All-Pro was more valuable to their roster than the pick. Kittle signed a new four-year extension shortly before the draft and is now under contract through the 2029 seasons. Fresh off a 2024 campaign in which he caught 78 passes for 1,106 yards and 8 touchdowns last season while averaging an impressive 14.2 YPR, it’s safe to say he remains one of the league’s most efficient pass-catching tight ends. There’s a good chance he will also see an expanded role in 2025 with Deebo Samuel now in Washington, which could have big implications for the upcoming fantasy season.

The deal includes $40 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. After denying a report from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini that he was aiming to become the game’s highest paid tight end, Kittle signs a monster extension that eclipses Trey McBride’s recent deal. Kittle last year ranked third in tight end receiving yards and led the position in yards per route run. He has been one of the NFL’s most efficient pass catchers for years and will enter his age-32 season as an important part of a San Francisco passing attack that is now without Deebo Samuel.

Kittle is entering the final year of his contract with a $22 million cap hit. It’s always tricky to evaluate aging tight ends, and entering his age-32 season Kittle qualifies. He looked as fluid and as fast as ever last season. Ultimately we expect Kittle and the 49ers to bury the hatchet at some point in training camp, but this is quickly taking shape as a potential “hold in” scenario.

Although Kittle missed his standard two games with injury, he sailed by his 2023 marks of 65/1,020/6 with 78/1,106/8. Brandon Aiyuk’s knee injury had a lot to do with that, but Kittle was stacking scores even before Aiyuk’s absence. The true spiked weeks did not arrive until after, however, with Kittle erupting for four 100-yard performances, including a 151-yarder in Week 14 against the Bears. Although he’s going on 32 with a lengthy injury history, Kittle has shown zero signs of decline when active on Sundays. One of the league’s best all-around players who could be headed for another All-Pro designation, Kittle should remain a fantasy monster in 2025. Aiyuk (knee) and Deebo Samuel (potential release) both have uncertain Niners futures. Kittle himself is angling for an extension heading into his walk year.