Lodi News-Sentinel

George Kittle casts doubt on report that extension is coming this week

- — Cam Inman, The Mercury News

Tight end George Kittle’s well-earned, much-anticipate­d contract extension is coming, reportedly as early as Friday, though he’s not confirming so.

The 49ers will announce a six-year, $94.8 million pact Friday with the All-Pro tight end, Sports Illustrate­d’s Grant Cohn reported Wednesday, adding that half of that money would be guaranteed.

Kittle’s reaction on Twitter: “Y’all believe everything you read on the internet huh”

Kittle’s agent, Jack Bechta, did not immediatel­y return messages seeking comment. The 49ers, as standard practice, do not comment on contract matters, a team spokesman said.

No agreement has been reached but “healthier progress” has been made in this offseason’s negotiatio­ns, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco reported.

Cohn cited “a well-placed source,” and began his report by noting, “Take this for what it’s worth.” It would worth a lot to Kittle, who reportedly would land a $25 million signing bonus but only eat up $10 million of the 49ers’ salary cap space in a tight-stringed 2021.

Kittle, entering his fourth season, figured to reset the tight end mark, and his $15.8 million annual mark indeed would shatter that considerin­g the highest paid tight end is Los Angeles Chargers’ Hunter Henry at $10.6 million.

Kittle reported to training camp on time two weeks ago and has been participat­ing in their on-field workouts. The first team practices are this weekend before Monday’s first session in pads.

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