The San Francisco 49ers are frivolously working to create more cap space. Their latest move is restructuring the contract of George Kittle, one of the league’s top tight ends.
Kittle originally signed a five-year, $75 million contract extension with the 49ers right before the 2020 NFL season. He previously restructured his contract before the 2023 season, and George is set to restructure again ahead of the 2024 season.
The restructure will create roughly $10 million in cap space from 2024 from Kittle. It pushes Kittle’s cap hits down the road but allows the team to get cap-compliant immediately.
San Francisco 49ers Cap Moves
Kittle signed a five-year, $75 million contract with the 49ers in 2020. His deal called for him to make $13.4 million in base salary this season and count $21.956 million against the cap. In 2023, Kittle restructured with All-Pro offensive tackle Trent Williams, creating $23.2 million in cap space.
The news came around the same time as the 49ers extending defensive end Nick Bosa, who earned a five-year, $170 million extension—the largest contract for a defensive player in NFL history.
In 2024, the cap moves continue to pour in. George Kittle and Javon Hargrave have joined Fred Warner in restructuring their contracts to help the San Francisco 49ers free up cap space. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk also restructured to create another $1 million in space.
The release of defensive tackle Arik Armstead with a post-June one designation opened $18 million on the cap. This was one of the more shocking moves this offseason, but the 49ers are dead set on creating space. Arik Armstead later signed with the Jaguars.
George Kittle Career
George Kittle is a staple for the 49ers offense. He is one of the most versatile players in his position. He prides himself on blocking even more than pass catching. He is the straw that stirs the drink for this intricate 49er offense.
Kittle, 30, has caught 460 passes for 6,274 yards and 37 touchdowns since the 49ers drafted him in the fifth round in 2017. He is a five-time Pro Bowler and has made All-Pro twice.
This past season, Kittle had 65 receptions for 1,020 yards, the third time he has eclipsed one thousand yards in his career.
According to Pro Football Focus, Kittle owns the third-best overall grade and third-best receiving grade by a tight end in PFF history. His career 83.2 run-blocking grade is also the best at the position over the last decade.
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