The San Francisco 49ers’ priority this offseason in terms of extensions is obviously the Brock Purdy deal, but it appears they are also in discussions to tie down one of his favorite targets for the long term.

Tight end George Kittle was by far the 49ers’ best offensive player in a disappointing 2024 season. He racked up 1,106 receiving yards and had eight touchdowns — his second successive 1,000-yard season and fourth in his career — and had eight touchdowns. Kittle was named to his sixth Pro Bowl and earned second-team All-Pro honors.

Entering the final year of his contract in 2025, Kittle remains incredibly important to a star-studded 49er offense with his play as a receiver and in the blocking game, and is showing no signs of slowing down at 31.

As such, the 49ers should be motivated to sign Kittle to a deal that would likely ensure he finishes his career with the franchise, and they seem to have recognized a need to do so, with Kittle indicating there have been discussions between his representation and the Niners regarding an extension.

Speaking on ‘Up and Adams’ at radio row in New Orleans, Kittle was asked about his achievement in moving up to third on the list of 49ers’ all-time receiving yards leaders. Kittle (7,.380) needs 1,193 yards in 2025 to surpass Terrell Owens (8,572) for second place.

Asked what that means to him, Kittle replied: “A couple of things, one the 49ers’ organization is full of history and amazing football players that are in it, so the fact I can be around for eight years, going into year nine and hopefully the rest of my career, it means I’m a part of an historic franchise that wins a lot of football games and plays a lot of high-end football.

“That’s an honor, to be on a list with any of those guys (Jerry Rice, Owens, Dwight Clark), total honor, and just very proud to be part of an organization like that and just have the opportunity to go out and be able to wear the 49ers logo on the side of my helmet.”

Pressed on when an extension might happen, Kittle said: “Waiting on them. I think there’s been talking.”

On what the 49ers might be waiting for, he added: “I have no idea. I just work here. My agent does that stuff.”

The reason for a lack of progress in negotiations with Kittle is most likely a focus on Purdy’s contract, which both player and team are keen to get done quickly.

But the 49ers have financial motivation to get a Kittle deal done. He carries a cap hit of just over $22 million this year, and is due a $14.4 million base salary. An extension would enable the 49ers to lower those numbers and buy themselves more cap room for 2025.

In a year where the 49ers will be pushing to bounce back from their 2024 struggles and once again contend for a Super Bowl, that could be critical extra space to facilitate an in-season trade.

So, once the significant matter of the Purdy deal is out of the way, Kittle can likely look forward to getting the third contract he richly deserves.