Insider shares concerning opinion on George Kittle's future

For years, George Kittle has been the San Francisco 49ers' YAC specialist.

However, the star tight end has also dealt with a plethora of injuries, and that type of wear and tear has clearly taken a toll on his body.

Father Time is undefeated, and Kittle dealt with another major ailment in 2025, tearing his Achilles tendon in a playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

That's why Sports Illustrated insider Grant Cohn doesn't see him ever returning to his former level.

George Kittle may not be a star anymore

“I don’t know, maybe I’m wrong, but I just don’t see a world where George Kittle comes back and is dominant,” Cohn said. “Even last year, he was not much of a threat after the catch. He was still a good blocker and good in the red zone. I feel like that’s what the rest of his career is going to be.”

While Kittle might still be a factor in the offense, he might be limited to blocking duties, and all those explosive receptions down the middle of the field might be a thing of the past.

“He should still be a good blocker, maybe, and he’ll definitely be a threat in the red zone, but he’s not going to be a guy you can give seven, eight or nine targets a game to. He’s going to be a complementary receiver and a blocker, someone you go to on third down and in the red zone. He’s not going to be a YAC guy anymore,” he added.

Kittle will be 33 next season, and he's rarely been healthy. If anything, watching him play to the level he played last season was impressive given all he's been through.

The Niners have struggled with injuries for years now, and with their core getting older, their Super Bowl window might be almost closed.