The San Francisco 49ers have one of the most stacked rosters in the NFL, but as they look toward the future, some tough financial decisions may be on the horizon. One of those decisions could involve George Kittle, the beloved Pro Bowl tight end who has been a cornerstone of Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
Kittle remains one of the best tight ends in the game, but with his contract, age, and San Francisco’s depth at the position, the idea of moving him isn’t as crazy as it sounds.
Why Trading Kittle Makes Sense
Kittle is still a dominant force, putting up 78 receptions, 1,106 yards, and eight touchdowns in 2024, but he’s also 31 years old and carries a $20.7 million dead cap hit for 2025. That’s a lot of money tied up in a player who plays one of the most physically demanding positions in football.
If the 49ers believe they can get elite draft capital in return, they might decide to move Kittle now before his production starts to decline. San Francisco also has Charlie Woerner and Cameron Latu waiting in the wings—while they aren’t on Kittle’s level, they could step in and handle tight end duties at a much lower cost.
Who Would Trade for Kittle?
Several teams would jump at the chance to add an elite tight end to their offense:
- Buffalo Bills – If the Bills want to give Josh Allen another major weapon, Kittle would be a dream fit.
- Los Angeles Chargers – Jim Harbaugh loves tight ends, and Kittle would be perfect in his offense.
- Dallas Cowboys – The Cowboys need a big-time playmaker alongside CeeDee Lamb.
Final Thoughts
George Kittle is still an elite player, but the 49ers have to think about their long-term cap situation. If they believe moving Kittle could help them stay competitive for years to come, they might explore a blockbuster trade.
For San Francisco, this isn’t about Kittle’s ability—it’s about roster sustainability. If the right offer comes along, they may have no choice but to consider it.
