Recent online reports have sparked a frenzy among football fans, claiming that San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is set to leave the team and join the New York Jets. According to these unverified reports, Kittle has agreed to a five-year, $156.7 million contract with the Jets, following the termination of his previous deal with the 49ers. However, as of now, no credible sources, including ESPN, NFL Network, or the 49ers themselves, have confirmed this information.
The Alleged Move: Too Good to Be True?
The report suggests that Kittle is leaving the 49ers despite signing a three-year, $128.5 million contract extension in 2023. However, no official announcements have been made regarding the termination of this deal, nor has Kittle or his representatives publicly expressed a desire to leave San Francisco. In fact, Kittle has consistently emphasized his love for the team and his hope to stay for the long term.
In January 2025, Kittle addressed speculation about his future, stating, “I want to be a Niner for my entire career. I love wearing the Red and Gold.” This statement contradicts the idea that he is planning an abrupt exit. Additionally, in February 2025, Kittle confirmed that his representatives had engaged in contract extension talks with the 49ers, further suggesting that both sides were working toward keeping him in San Francisco.
Evaluating the Credibility of the Reports
The supposed “breaking news” claims that sources such as ESPN’s Shams Charania have confirmed Kittle’s departure. However, Charania is primarily an NBA insider, not an NFL reporter, making it unlikely that he would be the first to break such significant NFL news. When major player movements occur, they are typically reported by well-known NFL insiders such as Adam Schefter or Ian Rapoport. Since neither of them nor any reputable sports media outlet has reported on Kittle’s exit, the claims remain highly questionable.
Why Would Kittle Leave Now?
Kittle has been a vital part of the 49ers’ success, serving as a key offensive weapon and one of the best tight ends in the league. Given the team’s recent success and continued Super Bowl aspirations, it is unlikely that the 49ers would part ways with him at this stage.
Additionally, even if Kittle were to leave, there would likely be extensive discussions, trade negotiations, or buyout agreements before such a major move. A high-profile transaction like this would not happen abruptly without months of speculation from reputable insiders.
Conclusion
At this moment, there is no verified information supporting the claim that George Kittle has left the San Francisco 49ers for the New York Jets. Instead, all credible reports indicate that Kittle remains committed to the 49ers and is engaged in discussions about his future with the team. Until an official announcement is made by the 49ers or Kittle himself, fans should be cautious about believing unverified rumors circulating online.
