The 49ers are fighting a war on three ends. First, they have released too many players, second, there is no significant update on their QB Brock Purdy’s contract, and third is the contract dreams of George Kittle. Fulfilling needs and dreams are two different things, and the latter is hard to achieve. The Niners HC, Kyle Shanahan, is the decision maker. But he might also be confused about their way forward now, being stuck in the contract drama as the franchise starts to reap benefits in the draft. It’s getting worrisome for the fans.

The tight end wants an extension heading into the final year of his 5-year $75 million contract. But trade rumors have been flying strong. Amid these developments, he missed the OTAs. However, it’s not such a serious move. He often misses the OTAs. But there is always a reason. And this year’s scenario makes it seem like it’s contract-related.

Kyle Shanahan is not really concerned about George Kittle’s contract, as they have time to sort things out. NFL insider Diana Russini talked about this on the April 23 episode of her podcast Scoop City and said, “The San Francisco 49ers made an offer to [Kittle[ that in guaranteed money essentially made him the highest paid tight end, but it still was less than that Trey McBride contract. So it really comes down to these small details and in my opinion, it’s more about are they going to be able to come to an agreement. Because right now, there’s no deal. The truth of the matter is he wants to be paid, and I think he knows that maybe perhaps the San Francisco 49ers aren’t willing to go that high.”

So it would appear Kyle Shanahan is not interested in making Kittle’s dreams of becoming the league’s highest paid TE come true.

The Cardinals signed a 4-year $76 million deal with TE Trey McBride, with $43 million guaranteed. There’s another factor at play here. QB Brock Purdy! He is also eyeing a $50-55 million deal. And the Niners are moving in silence. They are not ready to talk about the plans in public.

While the 49ers are trying to make everything seem as perfect as it used to be during their 2023 Super Bowl run, differences have crept in. Sources are leaking some surprising news.

George Kittle refutes insider’s claims

Just like millions of NFL fans, the NFL insider Diana Russini was also intrigued when her 49ers source told her that the tight end had big dreams. She reported that he was eyeing a deal worth $20 million AAV, trying to become the highest-paid TE in the league. But wait, there’s an even bigger surprise.

In a rare moment for a professional player, George Kittle, talking about this rumor, took to X and replied, “Your source is incorrect.” It surprised Russini. She tried to dig deep, finding that the scenario is the same, just the terms are different. Whatever the terms may be, the TE cannot stop rumors until he signs a new deal and posts that photo beaming a smile alongside Kyle Shanahan.

Not only contract talks, but even trade rumors are flying over a supposed move to the Titans. The 49ers players also shot those down with just a 1-word, “Wrong.” With the 2025 Draft upon us, it appears we will have to wait at least a few days for any progress on this matter. The franchise might even announce Brock Purdy and George Kittle extensions around the same time, a la the Bengals with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. It’s a test of patience, but for the Niners faithful, will patience pay?