George Kittle is widely regarded as one of the most dominant tight ends in the league. Known for his intense physicality, elite blocking, and dynamic receiving skills, Kittle has been the heart and soul of the 49ers’ offense since he was drafted in 2017. He’s become not just a cornerstone of the team’s identity, but also a fan favorite due to his high-energy personality and leadership on and off the field.
The idea of Kittle being traded—especially for only mid-to-late round draft picks, as was included in the rumor (a 2025 5th-rounder and 2026 7th-rounder)—is highly implausible. A player of Kittle’s caliber would command significantly more in return, likely including a first- or second-round pick and possibly a proven player. If the 49ers were truly interested in moving on from Kittle, the asking price would be far steeper, reflecting his value as one of the league’s top tight ends and a proven playoff performer.
The 49ers have been vocal about their desire to keep their core players intact, especially given their recent Super Bowl runs. Kittle remains under contract through the 2025 season after signing a five-year, $75 million extension in 2020, which at the time made him the highest-paid tight end in NFL history. Given this, there is no known urgency for the 49ers to move him, nor has Kittle publicly requested a trade.
As for the Colts, while they’ve been searching for a dynamic pass-catcher to support quarterback Anthony Richardson, there has been no indication that they were actively pursuing Kittle. Indianapolis has typically operated conservatively under GM Chris Ballard, favoring homegrown talent and prudent roster-building strategies over blockbuster trades for aging veterans with high price tags.
It’s worth noting that NFL fans often create mock trades or rumors that gain traction on social media, but they don’t always reflect actual negotiations or team intentions. While it’s always possible for a shocking trade to occur, especially in today’s NFL where star players are moved more frequently, the lack of credible confirmation suggests this Kittle-to-Colts scenario is likely fiction.
In conclusion, while the idea of George Kittle in a Colts uniform might stir excitement or curiosity, all current evidence points to it being nothing more than a rumor. Kittle remains a key figure in San Francisco’s offense, and unless officially stated otherwise by the team or trusted NFL sources, fans should treat any claims of a trade as speculative at best.
