The San Francisco 49ers endured a tough 2024 campaign, falling victim to the notorious Super Bowl hangover, and the offseason only added to their woes as they lost several key players via trades and free agency.
Now, the team and its fans are looking to move forward, and their 2025 NFL Draft selections could be a step in the right direction.
While the 49ers didn’t make any major surprises during the draft, The Athletic’s Diana Russini recently revealed that the team rejected a significant trade offer beforehand. According to Russini, the 49ers declined a second-round pick in exchange for All-Pro tight end George Kittle and instead extended his contract just days later.
George Kittle, 49ers agree to 4-year, $76.4M contract extension
When co-host Chase Daniel questioned why San Francisco would pass on what seemed like solid value for a 31-year-old tight end, Russini explained she never believed the team planned to part ways with Kittle.
George Kittle’s new contract marks record-breaking deal with 49ers
Their commitment was clear when they made Kittle the highest-paid tight end in NFL history. Having already traded wide receiver Deebo Samuel earlier in the offseason, the 49ers couldn’t afford to lose another top weapon in their aerial attack.
The 49ers turned down an offer of a second-round pick in exchange for All-Pro tight end George Kittle before the draft, extending him days later, @DMRussini reports. pic.twitter.com/TpbVQLPEJv
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 2, 2025
Kittle remained a consistent force for the 49ers last season despite injuries to Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and Christian McCaffrey. He tallied 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns in 15 games, and he’s expected to be the centerpiece of the passing offense in 2025.
Given the tumultuous offseason, parting ways with Kittle would’ve been a hard sell to fans — so keeping him in San Francisco is a much-needed win.