This offseason has been nothing but a nightmare for the San Francisco 49ers and it just keeps getting worse.
Just two years removed from reaching the Super Bowl, the 49ers have had to say goodbye to several key pieces from that conference title team, including the likes of Javon Hargrave, Deebo Samuel, and Charvarius Ward.
Now, another All-Pro might be on his way out - especially if the organization can't figure out a way to offer a fair extension to him.
Tight end George Kittle is 31 years old, has battled injuries over the last few years, and is entering what could be his final season with the team with his contract set to expire.
While the 49ers would love to find a way to extend Kittle, the latest reports have shown that the organization is "not close" on any sort of new deal at this point.
Kittle is coming off a season where he caught 78 passes for over 1,000 yards, and eight touchdowns. While he has been durable over his career, the 49ers simply have bigger needs right now along the roster.
With over $38 million in cap space, the 49ers need to lock up quarterback Brock Purdy on a new deal as well. Purdy's contract will take much of that intended cap space at this point.
Kittle, meanwhile, won't be able to negotiate a new deal until Purdy's contract is done. And the longer it goes on, the more hostile it will eventually become at this point in the situation.
