CONFIRMED: George Kittle to Leave 49ers After 2025 — Signs Massive 4-Year Deal with Philadelphia Eagles
By 49ers Nation | July 17, 2025
In a move that’s already shaking the NFL to its core, All-Pro tight end George Kittle is set to leave the San Francisco 49ers following the 2025 season and has agreed to terms with the Philadelphia Eagles on a massive 4-year deal reportedly worth $84 million, league sources confirmed early Thursday morning.
The deal, which includes $52 million in guaranteed money, makes Kittle the highest-paid tight end in NFL history — again — and places him in the heart of one of the NFC’s most dynamic offenses.
💥 From the Bay to the Birds
George Kittle has long been considered the emotional and physical engine of the 49ers offense. His unique combination of ferocious blocking and elite pass-catching ability redefined the modern tight end role. But after eight seasons in San Francisco, it appears the two sides were unable to come to terms on a long-term future.
Multiple sources indicate that negotiations between Kittle and the 49ers broke down earlier this offseason, largely over contract structure and the team’s future cap strategy.
“We wanted to keep George in the Bay for life,” said a 49ers front office official, speaking anonymously. “But the numbers and timing just didn’t align. It’s heartbreaking — he’s a franchise legend.”
Kittle, 32, will join an Eagles offense that already includes quarterback Jalen Hurts, wideouts A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and rising star running back Kenneth Gainwell. Philadelphia’s aggressive front office reportedly prioritized adding a veteran tight end with postseason experience — and few players bring more of that than Kittle.
🦅 Eagles Go All In
For the Eagles, the signing of George Kittle is being hailed as a coup. Philadelphia’s GM Howie Roseman, known for bold roster moves, reportedly flew to San Jose in early July to personally meet with Kittle and his agent. The result: a contract that not only locks in a future Hall of Famer but repositions the Eagles as serious Super Bowl contenders for 2026.
“Kittle is a culture changer,” said ESPN analyst Ryan Clark. “He brings intensity, leadership, and championship pedigree. This move puts Philly right back in the driver’s seat in the NFC.”
Kittle is expected to replace veteran Dallas Goedert, who becomes a free agent after the 2025 season and is not expected to return. With Kittle’s signing, the Eagles are doubling down on their run-heavy, RPO-based offense — where Kittle’s blocking will be just as valuable as his pass-catching.
🔙 End of an Era in San Francisco
Kittle leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in San Francisco. Drafted in the fifth round out of Iowa in 2017, he quickly became one of the league’s most dangerous weapons and one of the most beloved players in the franchise’s storied history.
Over eight seasons with the 49ers, he amassed:
- 7,925 receiving yards
- 47 touchdowns
- 5 Pro Bowl selections
- 3 First-Team All-Pro honors
He was also a key part of San Francisco’s deep playoff runs, including their appearances in the 2019 and 2023 Super Bowls.
“George gave us everything,” said head coach Kyle Shanahan. “There’s not a guy in that locker room who didn’t love playing with him. He’s a once-in-a-generation competitor.”
💬 Reaction Across the League
News of the signing sparked immediate reaction from players, analysts, and fans.
- Jalen Hurts posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Let’s work, 85. Welcome to Philly.”
- Travis Kelce, longtime rival and friend, wrote: “Gonna miss the battles, bro. See you in the playoffs. 🔥”
- NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport called the deal “a bold and necessary swing for a team that isn’t settling for second-best.”
Fans in both cities responded passionately. In Philadelphia, jerseys with Kittle’s name have already started trending on merchandise websites, while 49ers fans expressed both sadness and gratitude.
🔮 What Comes Next
Kittle is expected to be introduced officially as an Eagle during a press conference in early August, just ahead of training camp. Sources say he plans to move to Philadelphia full-time and has already begun training with Eagles strength staff.
As the NFL landscape shifts, one thing is certain: the Eagles didn’t just sign a player. They signed a tone-setter, a culture driver, and one of the fiercest competitors in football.
And for George Kittle — it’s a new chapter, with the same mission: win at all costs.
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