NFL Insider Claims George Kittle Will Be Highest-Paid Tight End

San Francisco 49ers endured massive heartbreak in the Super Bowl LIV last year. Kyle Shanahan’s boys put in a strong display all year to win the NFC Championship. However, they could not beat eventual champions Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl LIV in Miami. They looked on course to win the coveted Lombardi trophy before Patrick Mahomes and Co. went on a scoring rampage in the fourth quarter to break 49ers’ fans hearts.

Despite that setback, the 49ers ought to have taken a lot of positives from 2019. One major point of pride for Shanahan was the performance of his Defensive line over the course of the season. Jimmy Garoppolo, too, had a decent outing in his first full season as a starter. However, the standout player for the 49ers was tight end, George Kittle.

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George Kittle in line to get a new long-term deal with San Francisco 49ers soon

NFL insider Ian Rapoport shed some light on the ongoing contract negotiations between Kittle’s representatives and the 49ers board.

“From what I understand, the two sides have had conversations, have negotiated a potentially massive long-term deal that could make him the highest (paid) tight end in the NFL.”

“From what I understand though, it doesn’t feel like the two sides are particularly close on anything and the tight end market is a tricky one because right now Hunter Henry, who’s just on a franchise tag is actually the highest-paid TE which is really crazy,” Rapoport said via GMFB.

Kittle has been with the 49ers since the 2017 NFL draft. He is currently the 70th highest-paid TE in the NFL, even falling behind some rookies. The 26-year old has more than 1,000+ receiving yards over the last two seasons. He made 5 TDs as he made the Pro Bowl team for the second consecutive year. After his recent exploits, Rapoport believes that Kittle deserves to be made the highest-paid TE in NFL history.

“Really, since Gronkowski and Travis Kelce the (TE) market hasn’t moved. Kittle should move it in a serious, serious way.”

“It just hasn’t happened yet. Meanwhile, the other kinda interesting somewhat odd dynamic for the 49ers is Kyle Shanahan, the coach, just got a big new deal. This is an organization that always takes care of its core players, Kittle is one.” Rapoport concluded.

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SOURCE: Ian Rapoport Twitter