Where ESPN ranked 49ers' George Kittle among NFL's top tight ends

George Kittle continues to prove he's one of the NFL's most complete tight ends. While the San Francisco 49ers star consistently posts impressive receiving stats, his impact goes far beyond catching the football. Kittle's dominance as a blocker remains a key component of the 49ers' offensive success.

In 2024, Kittle earned a 70.8 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking second among all NFL tight ends. His overall offensive grade of 92.1 topped the position, further solidifying his status among the league's most well-rounded tight ends.

Kittle finished the 2024 season with 1,106 receiving yards, marking the fourth time in his career that he has surpassed the 1,000-yard milestone. His eight touchdown receptions were his second-highest total, trailing only the 11 he scored in 2022.

This offseason, San Francisco rewarded Kittle with a four-year, $76.4 million contract extension, once again making him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL.

Each year, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler surveys NFL executives, coaches, and scouts to compile position-by-position rankings. Last year, Kittle ranked No. 2, just behind Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce.

While Kittle was unable to claim the top spot in 2025, it wasn't due to Kelce, who slid to No. 5. Instead, Las Vegas Raiders rookie Brock Bowers surged to No. 1, with Kittle holding steady at No. 2. Fowler noted that Bowers narrowly edged Kittle in the polls to claim the crown after recording the most receiving yards by a rookie tight end in NFL history (1,194) and the most receptions by a rookie at any position (112).

"Kittle is aging well," Fowler wrote. "He's coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with a combined 14 touchdowns during that two-year span. Fifty of his 78 catches last season went for a first down. His premier blocking remains unmatched, and he's still tough to bring down, leading all tight ends with 14.2 yards per catch."

Fowler added that Kittle and quarterback Brock Purdy have multiple seasons ahead of them to develop their on-field chemistry further, thanks to their respective contract extensions.

"He's shown that when he's healthy he's the most complete player at the position," an AFC scout told Fowler. "Durability is the only thing that's really affected that. He embodies San Francisco's culture and that's why they keep paying him."

Following the contract extension, 49ers general manager John Lynch released a statement praising Kittle's leadership and growth since entering the league.

"In 2017, our first year with the 49ers, we selected a skinny tight end from Iowa whom we were really excited about. We had high hopes, but no one knew that he would become the player that he is today," Lynch said. "George's leadership, enthusiasm for the game, for his teammates, and the Faithful are truly unique and special. He is an outstanding representation for the 49ers on the field and is an outstanding representative for the organization off the field with his investment in the local and military communities. He has a great sense of pride in his role and has put in the work to be one of the best tight ends in the NFL."

Through eight NFL seasons, Kittle has recorded 538 receptions for 7,380 yards and 45 touchdowns, earning six Pro Bowl selections and five All-Pro honors. As he enters the 2025 season, Kittle remains among the gold standards at the tight end position.