(Photo: The Ringer)
There aren’t many teams in the NFC that can challenge or beat the San Francisco 49ers when all is clicking for them and I’ve often stated that their biggest threats are health and themselves. I understand it maybe a cliche saying, but remaining healthy and having key guys on the field does matter the most. One of the key pieces of this San Francisco offense is number 85, George Kittle. He was the safety valve for Jimmy Garoppolo and has served in the same capacity for Brock Purdy. Almost five years ago, the 49ers rewarded their star Tight End with a contract extension. Today, George has agreed to a four-year deal worth $76.4 million and $40 million guaranteed which has made him the highest-paid Tight End in the league today.
The 49ers selected George in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft with the 146th pick out of Iowa which has been known as “Tight End University” and since breaking into the league, he has become one of the three best Tight Ends in the league. I’ve said in the past he’s a big kid and it shows in his play on the field which leads me to say next that he loves the game and being on the field with his teammates. Some either show that emotion and exuberance and some choose not too, but George wears his on his sleeve without question. When the Tight End isn’t running routes or catching the ball, they’re often asked to be additional Offensive Linemen and block in the running game. I wouldn’t disagree with you if you told me George is the best blocking Tight End in the league and I’ve heard him say in videos he wants the team to run the ball more and when you watch him block, he almost has “tackle DNA” in his game! George has no issues getting his jersey dirty or attacking the edge and opening a lane so his teammate can run through. As a receiver, he can attack a defense in several ways such as leaving him one-on-one and he can beat you down the field when given the opportunity and George also has the speed to breeze by you with the football in his hands. I like the toughness he plays with because he always wants to finish his runs and never wants to step out of bounds. I see a guy who brings the old school mentality with him to the field as he wants to lower that shoulder and run through you, not around you. George is going to be physical with you and as a defender, you must try to get hands on him as he’s attempting to break out of his release. When he’s in open space, defenses are in trouble because he’s such a threat with the ball in his hands and he can take what looks to be a five yard crossing route and turn it into a “home run play” which leads me to say next that he’s phenomenal after the catch.
George is the heart and soul of this entire 49ers team and the engine that gets everything jump started for their offense. His energy is contagious and it rubs off on his teammates, plus he’s a charismatic football player that will throw a defender down to the ground with a smile on his face. From his style of play to the celebrations, you can’t help but notice him and he’s definitely become one of the more colorful characters in the league. Last season, George ranked third amongst Tight Ends in receiving yards with 1,006, tight for second in touchdowns with eight and led the league in yards per reception with 14.2. Also last season, George became just the fifth Tight End to have four or more 1,000 yard receiving seasons joining Rob Gronkowski, Jason Witten, Tony Gonzalez and you guessed it, Travis Kelce. He’s well deserving of this contract.
