George Kittle is one of the league’s most recognizable stars. After all, the San Francisco 49ers tight end isn’t hard to miss with his long flowing hair, eccentric persona, and fiery play on the football field.
But as one of the faces of an iconic sports franchise, is Kittle one of the highest-paid players in the NFL, let alone for his position?
Looking at How Much George Kittle Makes
The now 30-year-old, multiple-Pro Bowl tight end is tied for the second-longest contract length on the Niners with a five-year deal.
That deal pays “The People’s Tight End” up to $75 million. Included in his contract is an $18 million signing bonus. Annually, Kittle makes $15 million.
There’s more: Kittle reels in $40 million in guaranteed money. As for base salary, Kittle currently earns $1,080,000 for 2023. However, that number leaps to $13,400,000 for the 2024 season after the Super Bowl.
With his current deal, Kittle won’t become an unrestricted free agent until the 2026 offseason when he’ll be 33.
Kittle is one of the richer 49ers while playing alongside teammates who have signed their own blockbuster deals: Nick Bosa signed his deal before the 2023 season ($170 million), Deebo Samuel before the 2022 training camp ($71,550,000), Trent Williams has a big deal ($138,060,000), and Fred Warner got his big contract as well($95,225,000). Kittle also earns more than Christian McCaffrey ($64,063,500).
But while Kittle has the sixth-highest contract on S.F., does the deal make him the NFL’s highest-paid TE? Even richer than two-time Super Bowl winner Travis Kelce?
Examining Other TE Deals That Are Next to Kittle’s
Among the TE group, Kittle is more than just among the top three most-paid tight ends.
He’s the richest at his position. And that includes getting more money than the opposing tight end the Niners play on Sunday in Las Vegas, Kelce.
MORE: Travis Kelce’s Shocking Pick for the Best Tight End in the NFL Right Now
Who is close to Kittle’s contract? Here’s who else is reeling in lots of money for catching and blocking:
- T.J. Hockenson: The Minnesota Vikings star has a contract value of $66 million for four years. He earns $16,500,000 annually.
- Travis Kelce: Again, Kelce earns less than Kittle. Surprisingly, he’s not even the second-highest-paid player for his position — earning $57,250,000 for four years. His contract expires in 2026.
- Dallas Goedert: The NFC champion TE of the Philadelphia Eagles lures in $57 million for four years. Like Kelce, Goedert won’t become a UFA until 2026.
- Mark Andrews: The Baltimore Ravens star and recent AFC title game participant rounds out the top five for tight ends with his $56 million for four years.
Kittle has earned a high salary. He’s produced five Pro Bowl nods, two All-Pro selections, four NFC Championship Game appearances, and helped lead the Niners to the 2019 season NFC title.
However, he’s not getting any younger. The 49ers have built themselves into a “win now” mode with Kittle as a cornerstone. The People’s Tight End most likely wants to add a ring to his already decorated career and immensely wealthy contract.
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!
