The San Francisco 49ers have secured their stellar purpose before the last year of their contract.
All-Pro winger George Kittle agreed to a five-year, $75 million contract with the team on Thursday, a user familiar with the deal to Mike Jones of USA TODAY Sports told mike. The user spoke under anonymity condition because the agreement had been terminated.
NFL Network was the first to report the deal.
The extension is the richest ever designed for a tight finish. The last highest point for a multi-year contract with a player in Austin Hooper’s $42 million contract position with the Cleveland Browns in March. Hunter Henry of the Los Angeles Chargers, betting on the franchise label, is the only other tight final with a salary of more than $10 million in 2020.
Kittle, 26, has damaged expectations with the 49ers since joining the team as a fifth-round pick in the 2017 Iowa draft. He set the maximum yardage record through a tight end in 2018 with 1,377 yards.
Twice selected from the Pro Bowl, Kittle is also one of the most productive blockers in its position. He helped the 49ers succeed in the Super Bowl last season when he led the team in receptions (85) and yards receiving (1053) despite two lost games.
Follow Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @MikeMSchwartz.