Iowa Hawkeyes Legend Exposes 'Drama' With San Francisco 49ers

George Kittle, an Iowa Hawkeyes legend and one of the NFL's best tight ends, recently signed a four-year, $76.4 million contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers, including $35 million guaranteed. However, Kittle revealed that reaching this agreement involved difficult negotiations. He described the process as including "a little bit of drama" and acknowledged to ESPN's Nick Wagoner that it would be "fair to say" there was at least a minor disagreement about his value between the two sides.

Despite the negotiation challenges, Kittle is now committed to the 49ers through 2029. At 31 years old, he continues to perform at a high level. Last season, he recorded 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns, earning his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection and a Second-Team All-Pro honor.

Kittle's path to NFL stardom began at Iowa (2013-2016), where his college statistics were modest (48 catches for 737 yards and 10 touchdowns across four seasons). He was selected by the 49ers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft and has since developed an exceptionally successful professional career, far exceeding expectations based on his college output and draft position.