San Francisco 49ers have set things in motion for 2024. All-in! During the entire 0ff-season, there were different rumors about their wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The WR was present in training camp and preseason but held out from practice. Then, there were talks of a potential trade, but those also didn’t materialize. Tensions were on the rise! At last, the Niners have a contract extension. And Aiyuk returned to the locker room. One of his teammates, tight end George Kittle, also went through a similar situation.

In 2020, Kittle and the Niners management negotiated the contract extensions, which went on for many months. TE’s agent, Jack Bechta, surprised everyone by saying that he didn’t have any discussion with the team. Subsequently, many analysts claimed that he would hold out from practice. After Brandon Aiyuk’s deal was finalized, the tight end appeared on Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams and talked about his worries (during his holdout rumors). He said, “There is definitely a little bit of worry once in a while and I was like you know it really depends on like there’s days I’d see like in the locker room and stuff for like a week and then I wouldn’t see him for like four days.” Ultimately, better sense prevailed from both sides.

George Kittle considered himself the captain of the team. The 49ers’ management also convinced him to take part in training camps. However, the rumors of holdout were still floating. “I’m like oh that’s not very fun, so that’s when the worry that’s when like my spider senses were tingling. But you know fortunately I didn’t have to, you know none of those worries came through. So now I’m just happy,” he added.

The Niners signed a 5-year $75 million contract extension with him. Looks like they offer a great deal after contract dramas. Because the same thing happened with Aiyuk. Brandon Aiyuk’s contract extension ended with a 4-year $120 million deal. The deal came after long talks. However, the Faithful are happy that the team has strengthened itself as the season is only a few days away.

Kittle always had hope that Aiyuk’s deal would get signed. And he showed it during the entire offseason.

How did George Kittle support Brandon Aiyuk during contract negotiations?

After seeing such messy contract negotiations, the TE supported his WR wholeheartedly. In June this year, he revealed that he always gives a shoulder to lean on to his teammates who go through these situations. Kittle said regarding the WR’s deal, “He’s doing his thing, he’s going to be just fine and whatever happens there, I’m happy for him.” However, his next show of support was emphatic. Wondering why we say so? He predicted the future.

In July 2024, the TE appeared on The Rich Eisen Show. Expectedly, the host asked him about Brandon Aiyuk’s situation. Surprisingly, he started drawing comparisons to his contract negotiations. Asserting the fact that his deal got finalized in the 2nd week of training camp, Kittle said, “I’m not concerned about it. Aiyuk’s a phenomenal football player who’s a big part of our offense, and he’s one of the most complete receivers that I’ve ever played with. So I’m gonna assume that Aiyuk’s gonna be on our team by the time the season starts.” And he was phenomenally correct.

After stretching the deal over the entire offseason and preseason, the 49ers took care of the Aiyuk situation. But can they complete their unfinished conquest for the Super Bowl?