In a surprising turn of events, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has made a bold statement regarding the potential addition of Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett to the 49ers roster. Kittle’s comments came in response to Garrett’s recent trade request, which has sent shockwaves throughout the NFL.
Myles Garrett, a four-time All-Pro defensive end, publicly expressed his desire to be traded from the Cleveland Browns, citing a strong desire to compete at the highest level and win championships19. This move has sparked interest from several teams, with the San Francisco 49ers emerging as a potential suitor.
During an appearance on the “Up & Adams” show, George Kittle enthusiastically endorsed the idea of adding Garrett to the 49ers’ roster. Kittle emphasized that having elite defensive players like Garrett and Nick Bosa would significantly ease the pressure on the offense, as opponents would struggle to score against such a formidable defense12.
“I’m all for adding really good football players to my roster,” Kittle stated. “That makes my job as an offense easier, because you don’t score as many points when you have a guy like Nick Bosa and/or Myles Garrett on the side,” he added25.
In a lighthearted yet sincere appeal, Kittle directly addressed Garrett, saying, “Hey Myles, we could be really good friends, I promise”19.
While the idea of pairing Garrett with Bosa is tantalizing, it poses significant financial challenges for the 49ers. Garrett’s contract includes cap hits of around $20 million for the next two seasons2. The team is also navigating contract extensions for key players like quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle himself27.
Fred Warner, the 49ers’ All-Pro linebacker, suggested that he and Kittle could consider salary adjustments to accommodate Garrett’s addition. Warner noted, “Me and George can just give a little bit of our funds to Myles Garrett,” highlighting the team’s willingness to make sacrifices for a player of Garrett’s caliber39.
Conclusion
George Kittle’s bold claim underscores the 49ers’ eagerness to bolster their defense with elite talent. While the financial and logistical hurdles are substantial, the prospect of Garrett joining the 49ers could significantly enhance their chances of competing for a championship. As the NFL offseason unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see if this ambitious move becomes a reality.
