NFL Network’s Mike Silver reported that the San Francisco 49ers and George Kittle are currently not near a deal:
Silver implies that Kittle wants to be paid like a broad recipient rather than a record-breaking ending.
Does Kittle’s camp do anything to increase its value by saying that he will log out? I don’t think it gets there. Kittle is one of the best players in the game and wants to be paid as such. August 7th is an important date as players will have to decide whether to reject the game in 2020. If Kittle decided against an opt-out, he would earn $ 150,000, but would have to pay it back next season. Anyone who knows Kittle would say this is a long way. Silver said he believed a deal would be made.
The two sides are said to have been going in the wrong direction for a few days, and it was only a matter of time before national media got a grip on it. I’m not sure how much stock I put into this information, but I asked if there were any updates to Kittle earlier this week, and apparently his deal is suddenly “disrespectful”. Kittle plans to come to the training camp but not really practicing. This has not been verified either, but the information is consistent with Silver’s statements above. I understand that the negotiations are fluid, but a week ago everything was fine and good, and now the two sides are far apart? What has changed?
Kitte’s colleagues believe he is the seventh best player in all football. You won’t get many arguments from someone who says Kittle isn’t a great player. He wants to be paid like one. Why shouldn’t he? On August 12, the team begins practicing. So August 7th and 12th are days to keep an eye on Kittle’s contract. I hope it doesn’t bleed into the season. The last thing San Francisco needs is that it hangs over your head when the team tries to win a Super Bowl.
