49ers tight end George Kittle proved again how valuable he is to the Niners offense
The 2024 season for the 49ers should be filed under “Murphy’s Law.” Whatever could go wrong did go wrong. From holdouts to injuries to personal and family tragedies, the 49ers dealt with everything in 2024. The whirlwind of a season for the 49ers resulted in a disappointing six-win season after preseason expectations of a trip to the Super Bowl again.
One thing that didn’t go wrong was George Kittle’s 2024 season. The all-world tight end continued to shine, possibly with his best season as a pro, even if the numbers aren’t as gaudy, but far more efficient than ever. Kittle finished behind Trey McBride and Brock Bowers for receiving yards by tight ends. However, both McBride and Bowers had 30 plus more receptions.
Kittle led all tight ends with 14.2 yards per reception and tied for second amongst tight ends with eight touchdowns. Pro Football Focus said Kittle led all tight ends with a 92.4 receiving grade and a 92.1 offensive grade in 2024.
Jim Wyman of Pro Football Focus highlighted Kittle’s season.
2024 was a nightmare for the injury-riddled 49ers, who failed to make the postseason one of the preseason favorites to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. George Kittle was not one of their disappointments, however. Not only was he the highest-graded tight end overall, but he was also the only tight end to earn a PFF receiving grade of at least 90.0 (92.4). He also garnered the position’s second-best PFF run-blocking grade (70.8). There is no better all-around tight end in the NFL than Kittle.
The future of the position is in the hands of Sam LaPorta, Bowers, McBride, and others, but Kittle remains the best in the league even in his age-31 season. In back-to-back seasons, Kittle has amassed over 1,000 receiving yards on less than 80 receptions with 15 touchdowns. Kittle’s chemistry with Brock Purdy has been huge for the former Iowa tight ends production.
With the news of Kittle discussing an extension with the 49ers, it is a perfect time to lock in the all-pro and have him retire as a 49er. Kittle is a team captain and the face of their offensive identity.