The San Francisco 49ers locked in one of their most iconic players for the long haul — and his biggest supporter made sure the moment was unforgettable. Tight end George Kittle agreed to a massive extension to remain with the team through 2029, making him the highest-paid player at his position in NFL history. As the headlines broke and the contract details went public, Kittle’s wife, Claire, shared the news in her way — with music, balloons, and a tribute that perfectly captured the moment.
George Kittle Dances Into History as Wife Claire Throws 49ers Extension Bash
Claire posted a video to social media showing Kittle dancing in a gold-and-red balloon-filled room, surrounded by nods to the team’s “Bang Bang Niner Gang” mantra and plenty of football flair. The clip was set to “George Kittle 85,” a 2021 song by Niners fan Travis King — a quintessential soundtrack to celebrate one of the league’s most electrifying tight ends securing a deal that could carry him through the end of his career.
#49ers TE George Kittle celebrating his contract extension is an absolute vibe 😂
Via: @ClaireKittle IG pic.twitter.com/06160C4FZQ
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) April 29, 2025
Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the extension is worth $76.4 million over four years, with $40 million guaranteed. Kittle, 31, will earn an average of $19.1 million per season, surpassing Travis Kelce’s previous tight end benchmark of $17.13 million annually. Of the guaranteed money, $35 million is locked in at signing, while another $5 million is due in 2027. Kittle was previously set to become a free agent after the 2025 season.
Selected in the fifth round (No. 146 overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft, Kittle quickly carved out a reputation as a fierce blocker and dynamic playmaker. His true breakout came in 2018, when he racked up 1,377 yards despite catching passes from backup quarterbacks after Jimmy Garoppolo’s season-ending injury. That year, he earned his first Pro Bowl selection — the first of six so far.
Kittle’s resume is now stacked: Two-time All-Pro, six-time Pro Bowler, 7,380 career receiving yards, and 45 touchdowns. In 2024, Kittle posted 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight scores, proving he’s still among the elite at his position. The contract not only reflects his production but also his significance to the franchise’s identity.
NFL Analyst Rich Eisen on Whether Kittle Belongs in Hall of Fame
Kittle’s enormous contract extension has sparked plenty of discussion, including on “The Rich Eisen Show,” where the longtime NFL voice weighed in on Kittle’s legacy. Rich Eisen had no hesitation calling the 49ers tight end a Hall of Famer — just not a first-ballot lock.
“George Kittle’s a Hall of Famer, I would say,” Eisen said. “If he didn’t play another down, George Kittle would be a consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Not a first ballot. No. I mean, if Antonio Gates wasn’t first ballot, [Kittle’s not].”
Eisen also placed Kittle in rare company within the franchise.
“George is one of the all-time great 49er pass catchers. How does that sound? And I know who I’m talking about here,” he added, nodding to the legendary names in San Francisco’s history.
While praising the 49ers for locking in their star tight end, Eisen pointed out that the front office still has unfinished business this offseason.
“Smart move. Smart business,” he said of the Kittle deal. “Sign Brock Purdy and get through it.”
For now, Kittle’s future in red and gold is secure, and his path to Canton appears well underway.