49ers' George Kittle: Still dominant at 31, ranked among top TEs of the millennium

San Francisco 49ers All-Pro George Kittle continues to cement his legacy as one of the NFL's best tight ends and one of the greatest draft steals of the modern era.

In a recent NFL.com feature, Eric Edholm ranked the top five NFL draft values of the millennium at tight end, and there was no surprise in seeing Kittle on the list. The 49ers star landed at No. 3 overall, behind only Travis Kelce and Rob Gronkowski.

Kittle once again proved his elite status during the 2024 season, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for the fourth time in his career. Despite a disappointing campaign for the 49ers, Kittle delivered with 78 catches, 1,106 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns, adding to a résumé that already places him among the best tight ends of his generation.

But it's not just his receiving numbers that set him apart.

"The 2017 draft class featured some respectable receiving talent at tight end, including the likes of Evan Engram, David Njoku and Jonnu Smith," Edholm wrote. "But by far the best in the group has been Kittle, who has more catches, yards, and touchdowns than all of them -- and he's considered a more than capable blocker, too."

Kittle isn't thinking about retirement. In fact, the 31-year-old tight end says he still feels great—and plans to keep playing as long as the game brings him joy.

"Literally until I don't have fun anymore," Kittle responded. "Or if [my wife] Claire looks at me and goes, 'You kinda look like s--t out there, you should retire.' I'll be like, 'All right.'

"I don't know, I think if I get to 35 and it hurts to put pants on in the morning, I think I'll be like, 'Ah, this isn't that much fun anymore,' and I'll have a conversation with myself. But I'm feeling great right now."

Edholm believes Kittle is still turning in exceptional numbers even as he enters his ninth NFL season.

"Injuries have slowed Kittle at times, and his postseason production isn't quite as strong," Edholm wrote, "but his credentials are above reproach, and he remains close to his peak entering his age-32 season, which was reflected in the top-of-the-market contract extension the 49ers signed Kittle to this spring."