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The San Francisco 49ers are in an awkward position as a franchise. San Francisco only won six games in 2024 and finished last in the NFC West. They also made some roster purges to start the offseason , getting rid of expensive older players. At the same time, franchise superstars like Brock Purdy and George Kittle are seeking long-term contract extensions. Negotiations do not seem to be going well with Kittle.
49ers tight end George Kittle did not show up for the start of San Francisco’s OTAs according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
“Purdy showed up for the start of 49ers OTAs, while star teammate George Kittle did not. Kittle wants to become the NFL’s highest-paid tight end, per a league source,” Russini wrote on Wednesday.
Kittle and the 49ers are apparently ‘far apart’ on their contract negotiations.
If Kittle really wants to be the highest-paid tight end in the NFL, he’ll need a huge contract extension. Trey McBride reset the market with a $76 million extension at the beginning of April.
“San Francisco’s offers to Kittle have thus far bee n rebuffed, and the two sides remain apart as Kittle, who will be 32 in October, enters the final year of his deal,” Russini added.
Russini noted that many NFL teams would come calling if Kittle became available via trade.
“I’m told no trade request has been made, but other teams are keeping an eye on it.”
Will the 49ers decide to extend or trade George Kittle?
It is difficult to determine how this situation between Kittle and the 49ers will play out.
The 49ers are also working on a contract extension for QB Brock Purdy, which should take priority over Kittle. Naturally, Purdy’s extension will eat up a ton of salary cap space. It could be difficult to negotiate Kittle’s extension with that in mind.
If the 49ers do extend Purdy, they will want a sure-handed tight end like Kittle to make his life easier.
Kittle was incredible for San Francisco in 2024. He hauled in 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns. The veteran tight end shows no signs of slowing down at 31 years old.
Hopefully the 49ers and George Kittle can make some progress after Purdy signs his extension.
More must-reads:
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Jets coaches try to calm situation in wake of Justin Fields' comments
According to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, New York Jets starting quarterback Justin Fields did not throw a pass that traveled 10 yards in the air during his two preseason appearances. Some have voiced concerns about the Jets' passing attack with Fields in the lineup, but he insisted while speaking with reporters on Tuesday that he's "fine with taking eight-yard completions every play." On Wednesday, Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand addressed Fields' comment. "He's going to play the play the way the defense allows him to play it," Engstrand said about Fields, per Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. "So if they're going to allow him to take a shot down the field, he's going to take it. If they don't allow him, he's going to check the ball down, and we'll move on to the next play. We're all good with that." Fields completed just one of five passes for four yards in the Jets' 31-12 loss to the New York Giants on Saturday. According to Fox Sports, he connected on four of nine pass attempts for 46 yards across his first two preseason appearances of the summer. Despite such lackluster numbers, first-year Jets head coach Aaron Glenn suggested on Tuesday that he is ignoring "the noise that happens on the outside" regarding the team's passing offense. On Wednesday, Jets passing game coordinator Scott Turner praised Fields for knowing when to take a checkdown and when to challenge an opposing defense. "I think you've seen a lot of quarterbacks in this league, Josh Allen pops into mind, who really cut down his turnovers last year and won MVP by not always trying to make the big huge play, but make the right play. Justin has done a nice job with that," Turner said. ESPN stats show that Fields averaged 6.9 yards per pass attempt over six starts and 10 appearances with the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. Per Pro Football Reference, 22 qualified quarterbacks had a better yards per pass attempt average for the 2024 campaign. Dan Graziano of ESPN noted Wednesday that the $10M guaranteed that the Jets owe Fields for 2026 "won't prevent them from" looking for an upgrade at the position next year if he doesn't make "a major leap as a passer." It's still early into this experiment, but there's no sign that such a leap is coming anytime soon.
Commanders veteran blows final audition with future on the line
The Washington Commanders' final preseason engagement against the Baltimore Ravens represented the last chance for players looking to make a big impression before their respective fates are determined. Some thrived under the pressure, but others wilted. And for one veteran whose future was firmly on the line, their status looks all but sealed after another dismal outing. Things looked promising for Chris Moore earlier in the offseason. The wide receiver caught the eye over early workouts, displaying the reliability and contested catch prowess that managed to stand out in a crowded room. Unfortunately for the player, things have taken a downward turn since. Chris Moore blew another shot to impress in Commanders' preseason finale Moore couldn't keep up his initial consistency at training camp. Things got even worse in the preseason, which began with two crucial drops in Washington's opening warmup outing versus the New England Patriots. With several starters and rotational pieces sitting out at Northwest Stadium, this was Moore's chance to silence his doubters and prove worthy of an extended stay. And his final audition arrived when quarterback Sam Hartman delivered a deep ball down the sideline that fell within his catch radius. The former fourth-round pick out of Cincinnati, who began his NFL journey with the Ravens, needed to make this catch. Much to the dismay of fans, the wideout fluffed his lines. Moore dropped the target when it was makeable. He did bring in one reception for five receiving yards after that, but the damage had been done. And any slim hope he had of making the 53-man roster evaporated in the blink of an eye. Competition for places in Washington's receiver group is fierce. While Hartman and Josh Johnson didn't do their pass-catchers many favors, Moore's problems were self-inflicted. It's hard to envisage how he makes the team now, and even sticking around on the practice squad might be a stretch if others also come through waivers. It'll be an anxious wait for Moore. However, the experienced pro has been around long enough to know what comes next. And when his inevitable fate is sealed, he cannot have many complaints. The Commanders gave him chances to excel. Moore didn't take advantage of them emphatically enough, and this won't go unnoticed by general manager Adam Peters when he starts to trim the fat. Whether Moore comes back onto the practice squad or not is anyone's guess. But after a preseason to forget, even that is hanging in the balance now. More Commanders news and analysis
Steelers Get Promising News Regarding The Return Of Several Playmakers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a rash of injuries following the 2025 preseason, headlined by an MCL Sprain to first-round pick defensive end Derrick Harmon in their third and final game. However, there might not be anyone they need to get healthy more than wide receiver Calvin Austin III, who suffered an oblique injury early in camp and has yet to play in 2025. With depth lacking at the position, the Steelers will need Austin to be ready to go right away - and they just received a promising update regarding his status. With the team practicing on Saturday, the status of several players was brought up by Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin. "It's good to get guys working their way back. We have some guys that have been limited in their participation and less so today. Guys like Calvin Anderson, Calvin Austin, Jonnu [Smith], [Cory] Trice, Juan [Thornhill], and Donte Kent," Tomlin explained. While Austin had been practicing individually the past few days, he missed all three preseason games for Pittsburgh. Austin was less than clear when asked if he would be ready for Week 1, so it's good to get some confirmation that he is ramping up and the team is optimistic. Austin, the 5'9" speed threat out of Memphis, had a breakout year in 2024. After not playing his rookie season and having a limited role in 2023, Austin had a career high 36 receptions, 548 yards, and 4 touchdowns in his latest season. It wouldn't be a surprise to see those numbers explode even more in 2025 with new quarterback Aaron Rodgers under center, but first, Austin has to get healthy. Steelers Getting Healthier As Regular Season Approaches As Tomlin mentioned, several other faces returned to practice in addition to Austin. Among those were new tight end Jonnu Smith, who was traded to the Steelers from the Miami Dolphins in June after a career season. Smith hasn't played in a game yet either this year, although it's less clear if his absence was injury related or simply a matter of resting a veteran. Other returning players include cornerback Cory Trice, safety Juan Thornhill, offensive tackle Calvin Anderson, and defensive back Donte Kent. While getting all of these players back is crucial, there's no position that's thinner for Pittsburgh than wide receiver. Without Austin in the lineup, the Steelers are depending on Roman Wilson, who played just 5 snaps in 2024, to fill the role of WR2 behind DK Metcalf. Wilson showed a lot of promise in college at Michigan, and has had a strong preseason, but has yet to prove it in the regular season. The Steelers are aware that they lack receiver depth as well, and are still open to bringing in outside help at the position. On Tuesday, free agent wide receiver Gabe Davis had a second visit with the team, although he left without a contract. While the Steelers are depending on a number of players in the 2025 season, there's not a position group they can afford an injury to less than wide receiver. If an injury were to strike Metcalf or Austin again, the outlook would be bleak. While there's still no promise that Austin will be ready to suit up for Week 1, his participation in practice is surely a step in the right direction.
Pat McAfee has strong reaction to Hall of Fame honor
Former punter Pat McAfee is receiving an honor that is rare for a special teams member. On Friday, West Virginia announced that McAfee was one of six players entering the program's Hall of Fame for the 2025 class. McAfee is thankful for the recognition from his former school. He used some strong language to react to WVU's reveal. "It was nice to have an opportunity to think back and reminisce about a great era of my life," McAfee posted on X. "I am so thankful for the recognition. This is normally something I would try and f------ hate.. I’d say that it’s b------- and they feel obligated to do this but; this call made my soul feel good. Thanks for the opportunity to be a Mountaineer @RealCoachRod.. it was an honor." McAfee was a highly productive specialist at West Virginia, earning First-team All-American honors in 2008. During his time with the Mountaineers, he set the school record for most games played (51), scoring (384) and extra points made (210). He held the Big East record for most extra points made, when he made 210 of 212 attempts. McAfee's success at West Virginia propelled the Indianapolis Colts to select him in the seventh round of the 2009 draft. He earned All-Pro honors in 2014 and made the Pro Bowl in 2014 and 2016. He has the highest career net average in punting years with 41.1. McAfee should be proud of his achievements during his days in college and the legacy he is building with the program. The ESPN pundit even used his influence to speak with WVU athletic director Wren Baker to help with the coaching search that ultimately brought back Rich Rodriguez to the school.
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