The 49ers could save plenty of cap space with an extension or contract restructure.
Last week, we discussed why it made sense for the San Francisco 49ers to restructure All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner’s contract. There are more than $12 million reasons to do so. Remember, teams usually do this with players they plan to keep around.
There’s another contract on the 49ers roster that could be restructured this offseason, and he’s also a team captain. Assuming he’s in the team’s future plans, an extension makes more sense.
Lost in a 6-win season was the excellence of George Kittle. Kittle, 31, had his best season in 2024. It may not reflect that on the stat sheet in receiving yards or touchdowns. Kittle had no career highs, and the Niners didn’t reap the rewards in the win column. But I thought Kittle’s impact was greater in 2024 than in 2018 or 2019 — the two seasons you’d likely argue were better.
Kittle’s target share was down this season compared to his early years as a Niner. But he had far and away, the highest receiver rating of his career, only had two drops, and took over games whenever his number was called. Not to mention, he was probably the best offensive lineman on the team.
Fans grew frustrated, and rightfully so, with Kittle’s lack of usage in the passing game. But Brock Purdy needed time to throw, and Kittle was blocking defensive ends, not only holding his own but winning convincingly.
Kittle’s contract voids after the 2025 season. You don’t have to twist George’s arm when looking for an answer. After the season, Kittle said, “I want to be a Niner for my entire career. I love wearing the red and gold. And whatever the front office wants to do, I’m all ears.”
Luckily, both sides have options, and these options are beneficial for both sides. Per Over the Cap, the 49ers could restructure Kittle’s contract and save $9.93 million this offseason, $9.13 million in 2026, and $6.82 million in 2027, thanks to the added ghost years on Kittle’s contract.
Those savings go up with an extension. If the 49ers extend Kittle for three years, they will save $10.6 million this offseason, 10.96 in 2026, $10.92 in 2027, and an incredible $35.2, yes, $35.2 million in 2028.
If there’s a player on the roster that you want to make a lifelong Niner, it’s a homegrown talent like Kittle, who represents everything this regime wants its players to stand for. Of course, you’d have to worry about injuries. Kittle will be 35 in 2028. But we’re talking about one of the greatest tight ends ever to play the game.
Whenever fans hear an extension, they think the team loses money. As you can see, that’s not the case. So, with Purdy’s contract extension looming, a new deal for Kittle would help create more cap space for the franchise quarterback. It could also free up some money to find some help for Kittle.