San Francisco 49ers turned down a strong trade offer for George Kittle before contract extension

San Francisco 49ers turned down a strong trade offer for George Kittle before contract extension

In the high-stakes world of the NFL, teams are constantly evaluating their rosters and making moves to stay competitive. However, sometimes franchises decide to stick with their core players, even when presented with enticing trade offers. This was the case for the San Francisco 49ers when they turned down a strong trade offer for star tight end George Kittle before he signed his historic contract extension in 2020.

By the time Kittle was due for a new contract, he had already established himself as one of the league’s premier tight ends. His 2019 season was especially notable, as he helped lead the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance. Kittle’s blend of elite athleticism, exceptional blocking ability, and pass-catching skills made him one of the most valuable and versatile players in the NFL. That year, he recorded 1,053 receiving yards, five touchdowns, and averaged 14.6 yards per catch, all exceptional statistics for a tight end.

Amidst his rising prominence, rumors began swirling that the 49ers might entertain trade offers for Kittle, especially as the team faced important contract negotiations. Reports suggested that the 49ers received a strong proposal from another team, one that likely included multiple high draft picks or even a star player in return. Despite the attractive nature of the offer, the 49ers’ front office, led by general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan, made the decision to turn it down. This move was later confirmed when Kittle and the 49ers agreed on a five-year, \$75 million contract extension in August 2020, making him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL at the time.

The decision to keep Kittle, rather than trading him away, was rooted in his importance to the 49ers’ offensive scheme. In Kyle Shanahan’s system, tight ends like Kittle are key contributors not only in the passing game but also in the run game, where their blocking is crucial. Kittle’s unique ability to dominate as both a receiver and a blocker made him an irreplaceable part of the offense. Beyond his physical skills, Kittle’s leadership in the locker room and his rapport with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo were vital to the team’s cohesion and success.

Moreover, with the 49ers coming off a Super Bowl appearance, the team was clearly committed to retaining the core players that had brought them so close to a championship. Trading Kittle would have meant losing one of the team’s most dynamic and beloved players—an option the 49ers were unwilling to consider at that time.

Instead, the 49ers rewarded Kittle’s value to the team by offering him a contract that reflected his status as one of the best players in the league. The five-year deal, worth \$75 million with \$40 million in guarantees, sent a clear message about the franchise’s commitment to Kittle. The contract made him the highest-paid tight end in NFL history at the time, surpassing the record set by Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs. This contract extension not only secured Kittle’s place in the 49ers’ future but also solidified his role as one of the most elite and well-rounded players in the NFL.

In the end, the 49ers’ decision to keep Kittle rather than trade him seemed to be the right one, especially considering his ongoing impact on their offense. With Kittle still at the forefront, the 49ers were able to maintain their competitive edge, ensuring that their Super Bowl window remained open for years to come.