George Kittle claps back at NFL insider's contract report

The San Francisco 49ers kicked off the voluntary off-season workout program with a lot of question marks. One was quarterback Brock Purdy, who showed up despite contract concerns. Another is tight end George Kittle. 

Kittle is in the final year of a five-year, $75 million extension he signed in 2020, and rumors swirled that he could be holding out due to that. Kittle is not expected to participate in the voluntary program, as Adam Schefter reported. 

Then, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that Kittle's absence is "contract related." 

Well, that report was quickly refuted by Kittle himself. 

"Your source is incorrect," Kittle wrote on X in response to Russini's tweet. 

On the other hand, 49ers GM John Lynch said he wasn't sure whether or not Kittle would be absent for OTAs, per Kevin Patra of NFL.com.

"We'll see on that," Lynch said. "You know, these things are voluntary right now, but again, with that we've had good communication, good talks, and we'll see where that goes."

Kittle is fresh off a 2024 season in which he had 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight scores, each of which is the second-most during his career, so it could be time for a new payday for Kittle with uncertainly swirling following the 2025 campaign. 

So, plenty of rumors are running rampant in San Francisco for the time being, especially with the future of Purdy and Kittle, two offensive stars for Kyle Shanahan's team. 

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