In May, the parties were not close to an agreement. Kittle’s agent Jack Bechta insisted at the time that the subdued tight-end market would not hinder his client. Their stalemate continues today, as NFL network informant Ian Rapoport reported that the two sides “are not particularly close to anything.”
The argument that Kittle deserves to be paid more in line with the receiving market than with his tight end teammates is no different than the case that Jimmy Graham once made with the New Orleans Saints.
“I knew it could be tricky because of, you know, the position he plays in and things of that nature – finding the right number,” Lynch said.
Austin Hooper signed the biggest long-term deal for a tight end this offseason, earning $ 10.5 million during the four-year deal. That annual average would place him 22nd among recipients. With the place value discrepancy not reaching the overall value, you can understand how finding a number that works for both Kittle and the Niners could be more complicated than most negotiations.
With Kittle in the final year of his contract, with a base salary of $ 2.13 million, the Niners also have the ability to exercise franchise etiquette next year to keep the tight end in San Francisco.
Even without a deal soon, Lynch isn’t worried about the situation affecting Kittle’s preparation for the season.
“George is a professional,” said Lynch. “And he’s planning to come (to training camp). And we’re going to keep working. That’s our job to do that. I would be disappointed if we didn’t.”
