Will the 49ers Trade George Kittle This Offseason?
A Franchise Icon at a Crossroads
George Kittle has been the heart and soul of the San Francisco 49ers for years. His passion, leadership, and elite playmaking ability have made him one of the best tight ends in the NFL and a fan favorite in the Bay Area. However, as the 49ers look to manage their finances and prepare for the future, the question must be asked—could this be the offseason where Kittle is traded?
Why the 49ers Might Move On
The 49ers have already made bold financial decisions this offseason. They traded Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders to avoid paying his $15.4 million option bonus and are actively shopping Brandon Aiyuk, likely to avoid his $22.885 million option bonus. These moves signal a shift in philosophy, prioritizing long-term financial flexibility over keeping every star player.
Kittle is entering the final year of his contract and has already stated he wants an extension. Given his outstanding 2024 season, he will likely demand a lucrative deal that could make him the highest-paid tight end in the league. But the 49ers have been burned by expensive extensions for veteran players in the past. Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams both received big contracts, only to miss significant time due to injuries. The front office may be wary of making the same mistake again.
Kittle’s Impact on the 49ers Offense
There’s no denying Kittle’s value on the field. He’s an elite receiver, an incredible blocker, and a vocal leader who energizes his teammates. Brock Purdy has developed a strong connection with him, and Kittle’s presence has been crucial in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
But as the NFL evolves, teams are re-evaluating the importance of investing heavily in the tight end position. The Kansas City Chiefs, for example, have managed to build a dominant offense around Travis Kelce without making him the highest-paid player at his position. If the 49ers believe they can find a cheaper alternative—either through the draft or free agency—they may feel comfortable making a tough decision.
Will Kittle Hold Out?
One of the biggest concerns is whether Kittle would hold out if the 49ers refuse to offer him a new contract. The team has dealt with similar situations before—Brandon Aiyuk held out last season, and Nick Bosa did the same the year before. In both cases, the 49ers eventually caved and gave their stars the contracts they wanted.
If Kittle decides to hold out, the front office has two options. They can let him sit out training camp and preseason before ultimately giving him a new deal, or they can take a more aggressive approach and move him before the situation escalates. Given the team’s current financial outlook, the second option might be more likely.
What Could the 49ers Get in a Trade?
If the 49ers decide to trade Kittle, they won’t give him away for nothing. At 31 years old, he’s still one of the most valuable tight ends in the league. The right trade package could include a first-round pick, which would give San Francisco additional draft capital to build around younger, cheaper talent.
The Chiefs traded Tyreek Hill at the peak of his career and still managed to win back-to-back Super Bowls without him. The 49ers could take a similar approach—move on from a beloved star before his value declines and reinvest in other key areas of the roster.
Will the 49ers Make the Tough Call?
Trading George Kittle would be an emotional decision for both the team and its fans. He embodies everything that makes the 49ers great—toughness, resilience, and passion. But in the NFL, difficult decisions often determine a franchise’s long-term success.
If the 49ers believe Kittle’s best years are behind him, they might make the move now while his trade value is high. If they think he still has several elite seasons left, they could extend him and keep him as a cornerstone of their Super Bowl aspirations.
Either way, this offseason will be a defining moment for the future of the 49ers—and the fate of one of their most iconic players hangs in the balance.
