Brock Purdy, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, reported to the team’s offseason program on Tuesday, while star tight end George Kittle opted to skip the initial activities. Both players are entering the final year of their contracts and are hoping for extensions, raising questions about their participation in the voluntary program.
In recent seasons, the 49ers have seen contract negotiations extend deep into the summer. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel missed the early practices in 2022 before securing his extension, Nick Bosa completed his deal just days before the 2023 season kicked off, and Brandon Aiyuk sat out all of training camp last summer while awaiting a new contract.
Purdy, who expressed his desire to finalize a new deal before the offseason began, chose not to hold out and is focused on helping the 49ers bounce back from a disappointing 6-11 season. General Manager John Lynch praised Purdy’s professionalism and commitment to the team.
Purdy’s earlier contracts paid him less than $1 million annually for his first three seasons, but a strong performance last year, which included a Pro Bowl selection, makes him eligible to negotiate an extension. He could potentially earn over $50 million a year if negotiations go well. The discussions between Purdy’s camp and the organization have been positive, according to Lynch.
Despite having a less productive season last year, with a passer rating that dropped 17 points to 96.1 and only 20 touchdown passes, faith in Purdy remains high among team leadership, including owner Jed York, Lynch, and head coach Kyle Shanahan.
George Kittle, entering the final year of his five-year, $75 million contract signed in 2020, is set to earn $14.4 million this season. With the tight end market shifting—Arizona recently signed Trey McBride for $76 million over four years—Kittle’s position is also being reassessed.
The 31-year-old Kittle, who had a standout season with 78 catches, 1,106 yards, and eight touchdowns, has earned All-Pro honors five times since joining the league. While Kittle’s participation in the offseason program remains uncertain, Lynch is hopeful about ongoing communication with him.
Notably, star left tackle Trent Williams attended the program after recovering from an ankle injury that ended his previous season.
