Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images
It’s almost here folks. After some substantial concern over the 49ers’ methodical approach to handling contract extensions, it appears George Kittle is nearing a well-deserved payday. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Silver, the extension is “very close” to being done.
Per Rapoport, the 26-year-old Kittle, as you would expect, will be made the league’s top-paid tight end by a substantial margin. The remaining issues are described as a “a few small hurdles.”
More in a few hours on @GMFB on a deal said to be “very close” to being solidified. https://t.co/JcA9XICsYE
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 13, 2020
Earlier on Wednesday, Sports Illustrated’s Grant Cohn reported that a Kittle deal would be done on Friday, specifying the amounts and guarantee numbers, writing that, per a source, the 49ers and Kittle had agreed to a six-year extension worth $94.8 million — or $15.8 million per season — with 50 percent of the deal guaranteed and $25 million in the form of a signing bonus.
Kittle himself chimed in on Twitter later on Wednesday, seemingly to discredit Cohn’s report. Rapoport and Silver have yet to describe the details of the contract.
Y’all believe everything you read on the internet huh 😑 https://t.co/2TcAdjKjN5
— George Kittle (@gkittle46) August 12, 2020