George Kittle has become one of the most recognizable faces in the San Francisco 49ers organization, known not just for his explosive play on the field but also his personality off it.
Yet with the offseason now in full swing and Kittle absent from the team’s program, reports about his contract status are beginning to swirl.
On Wednesday, NFL insider Dianna Russini reported that Kittle‘s ongoing absence is due to stalled contract negotiations. According to her sources, Kittle is looking to eclipse the tight end market, following Trey McBride‘s recent four-year, $76 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals.
“Kittle wants to become the NFL’s highest-paid tight end, per a league source,” Russini wrote. “San Francisco’s offers to Kittle have thus far been rebuffed, and the two sides remain apart as Kittle, who will be 32 in October, enters the final year of his deal. I’m told no trade request has been made, but other teams are keeping an eye on it.”
But Kittle himself quickly stepped in to cast doubt on that narrative.
Kittle pushes back on contract report with pointed response
Shortly after Russini‘s report began circulating, Kittle issued a short and direct statement on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Your source is incorrect.” He didn’t elaborate further, but his post immediately raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about who might be in the right.
It’s far from uncommon for players and their representatives to publicly downplay ongoing contract talks-especially when negotiations are in early or sensitive stages. Still, Russini is regarded as a well-connected reporter, and her track record suggests she’s not throwing darts blindly.
What remains unclear is whether Kittle is outright denying that contract discussions are a factor in his absence, or simply pushing back on the claim that he’s made specific demands.
Public denials can often mask behind-the-scenes maneuvering, as agents, teams, and media engage in the quiet tug-of-war that precedes big-money decisions.
With Kittle entering the final year of his current contract and turning 32 this season, the 49ers must weigh how much longer he can anchor their offense at an elite level.
Meanwhile, rival teams are watching closely-just in case the door cracks open on a potential trade.
For now, the only certainty is that George Kittle‘s future in San Francisco is anything but guaranteed.
Whether this is just a minor bump in the road or the beginning of a larger dispute remains to be seen.
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