Report: 49ers rejected trade offer for Kittle prior to extension

An unidentified team attempted to acquire tight end George Kittle from the San Francisco 49ers prior to the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, sources told The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

The Niners subsequently turned down the trade offer that included a second-round pick for Kittle. San Francisco went on to sign its star to a four-year extension worth $76.4 million, making the All-Pro pass-catcher the highest-paid tight end in the league.

Kittle was set to play out the final year of his contract in 2025 prior to landing a new extension. Some speculated that the veteran tight end missed the start of team OTAs because of contract negotiations, which was dismissed by Kittle days later upon his return to the team's facility.

Kittle, who turns 32 on Oct. 9, tallied his second consecutive 1,000-yard campaign, finishing the 2024 season with 1,106 yards on 78 receptions for eight touchdowns. He was named a second-team All-Pro and earned the sixth Pro Bowl nod of his career.

The Niners secured the future of one of their longest-tenured stars by extending Kittle and clearing up cap space. San Francisco is attempting to secure a new agreement with Brock Purdy, another key piece for the club. The starting quarterback is entering the final year of his rookie deal.