The George Kittle deal is officially signed, the team announced on Friaday afternoon.
Kittle added his own twist, penning a 400-plus word statement that ended thusly:
"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Kittle was as gregarious as ever in a video posted minutes after the announcement on the club's Twitter account:
“John, where you going, man?” -- (via @49ers) pic.twitter.com/ThXnQcEJFd
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) August 15, 2020The record-setting $75 million deal was first reported by Barstool Sports' "Pardon My Take" on Thursday morning.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Silver had been all over the story. Here's the full rundown on the terms:
The #49ers are giving TE George Kittle an $18M signing bonus, source said. A large sum especially in a pandemic. Mostly, he blows the doors off the TE market and they keep their own. https://t.co/WVOrQflHXp
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 13, 2020The contract easily is the richest of all time for a tight end. Previously, Austin Hooper owned the distinction, inking a four-year, $42 million deal with the Browns back in March.
Kittle, originally a fifth-round pick out of Iowa in 2017, has emerged as a game breaker in Santa Clara. Last year, Kittle, now a two time Pro Bowler, racked up 1053 yards and five touchdowns for the Niners.
Kittle's full statement can be read below:
