Kittle casts doubt on report that contract extension has been settled
Tight end George Kittle’s wellearned, much-anticipated contract extension is coming. But Kittle cast doubt on a report that deal is coming Friday in grand fashion.
A separate source, familiar with the months-long negotiations, said it is “totally inaccurate” the 49ers will announce a six-year, $94.8 million pact Friday with Kittle, which is what Sports Illustrated reported Wednesday.
Kittle’s reaction on Twitter to that report by SI’s Grant Cohn, “Y’all believe everything you read on the internet huh.”
Kittle’s agent, Jack Bechta, declined to 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 as part of $47.4 million in guarantees, 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 onfield workouts. The first team practices are this weekend before Monday’s first session in pads.
Kittle is entering the final year of his rookie contract with a $2.1 million in salary this coming season. He tallied more receiving yards in NFL history by a tight end through three seasons, and he’s served the past two as a team captain for the 49ers, last season’s Super Bowl runner-up. VETERAN AUSTIN COULD BE ADDED >> Tavon Austin fits the 49ers’ profile when it comes to veteran free agents, and he fits their need for an experienced wide receiver/return specialist. The 49ers have summoned Austin for a workout
to likely sign the former Rams and Cowboys speedster, the NFL Network reported Wednesday.
Meanwhile, one move the 49ers confirmed was the signing of William Sweet, who presumably slides into the roster spot of opt out tackle Shon Coleman.
Austin, 30, was drafted No. 7 overall pick in 2013 by the then-St. Louis Rams. He’d presumably fill the role — or challenge for one — previously occupied by Travis Benjamin, another 30-year-old receiver who opted out amid COVID-19 concerns for his family.
Austin’s speed and playmaking potential was a staple in the NFC West from 2013-17, when he produced 24 touchdowns for the Rams (12 receiving, nine rushing, three returning punts). He played the past two years with the Cowboys, with only one of his 102 receptions resulting in a touchdown.
On Tuesday, the NFL lifted its ban on tryouts, although candidates still must undergo COVID-19 testing and Austin must clear three before joining team activities if he signs. FORMER PRO BOWL LINE
MAN DIES AFTER MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT >> Howard Mudd, a three-time 49ers
Pro Bowl offensive lineman and a longtime NFL assistant coach, died Wednesday, two weeks after suffering serious injuries in a motorcycle accident. He was 78.
Mudd was honored as a member of the NFL’s AllDecade Team for the 1960s for his dominant six-year run in San Francisco from 1964-69 that included being named an All-Pro twice and a Pro Bowler from 1966-68.
He was perhaps best known as one of the NFL’s top offensive line coaches during a career that spanned six decades. Mudd spent two seasons as a Cal offensive line coach (197273) for head coach Mike White before launching an NFL coaching career for seven teams, including the 49ers in 1977.
Mudd’s best worked came in Indianapolis from 19982009, where he was the architect of the offensive line that protected Peyton Manning and helped the Colts win a Super Bowl title.
Mudd had been hospitalized in the intensive care unit at Seattle’s Harborview Medical Center since suffering pelvic and spinal injuries in a July 29 crash. His family announced his death on CaringBridge.org Wednesday afternoon.