In the high-stakes world of the NFL, teams are constantly evaluating their rosters and making moves to stay competitive. However, sometimes franchises decide to stick with their core players, even when presented with enticing trade offers. This was the case for the San Francisco 49ers when they turned down a strong trade offer for star tight end George Kittle before he signed his historic contract extension in 2020.
By the time Kittle was due for a new contract, he had already established himself as one of the league’s premier tight ends. His 2019 season was especially notable, as he helped lead the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance. Kittle’s blend of elite athleticism, exceptional blocking ability, and pass-catching skills made him one of the most valuable and versatile players in the NFL. That year, he recorded 1,053 receiving yards, five touchdowns, and averaged 14.6 yards per catch, all exceptional statistics for a tight end.
Amidst his rising prominence, rumors began swirling that the 49ers might entertain trade offers for Kittle, especially as the team faced important contract negotiations. Reports suggested that the 49ers received a strong proposal from another team, one that likely included multiple high draft picks or even a star player in return. Despite the attractive nature of the offer, the 49ers’ front office, led by general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan, made the decision to turn it down. This move was later confirmed when Kittle and the 49ers agreed on a five-year, \$75 million contract extension in August 2020, making him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL at the time.