How a fifth-round underdog became the NFL's highest-paid tight end
In short: George Kittle entered the 2017 NFL draft projected as a mid-round selection. Yet, through a combination of explosive playmaking and record-breaking seasons, the Iowa Hawkeye standout transformed from a depth prospect into a seven-time Pro Bowler and a cornerstone of the San Francisco 49ers.
Kittle's ascent was not immediate. Following his 2012–2016 tenure with the Iowa Hawkeyes, the 49ers drafted him during the 2017 NFL draft as the 146th overall selection in round five. Despite being ranked as high as fifth by analyst Mike Mayock, he entered a crowded training camp competing against established veterans like Garrett Celek and Vance McDonald. He initially faced stiff competition from several other players during his first training camp. This included depth options such as Logan Paulsen and Blake Bell.
His breakout occurred during his second professional season in 2018. That year, Kittle recorded 88 receptions for 1,377 yards and five touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. In the final regular-season game against the Los Angeles Rams, he surpassed Travis Kelce's single-season receiving yards record for tight ends, achieving this within an hour of Kelce's previous mark. His performance during that campaign was so impactful that he earned a high ranking from his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 list. He also achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first 49ers tight end to exceed 1,000 receiving yards in a season.
By 2019, Kittle was a First Team All-Pro, helping lead the 49ers to Super Bowl LIV. His dominance in the league led to a massive financial milestone on August 13, 2020, when he signed a five-year, $75 million contract. This deal, which included an $18 million signing bonus, established him as the highest-paid tight end in the NFL. His contributions were vital during the 49ers' run to the NFC Championship Game. He notably helped the team secure the number one seed in the NFC during that period.
Throughout his career, Kittle has demonstrated remarkable resilience, returning from various injuries, including a broken bone in his foot in 2020 and a calf injury in 2021, to maintain his status as one of the league's most productive offensive weapons. He has consistently proven his value despite these physical setbacks. His ability to return to form has solidified his reputation as a premier offensive threat.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: George Kittle
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