SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Brock Purdy reported to the start of the offseason program for the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday, while star tight end George Kittle stayed away from the start of the voluntary program.
Purdy and Kittle are both entering the final years of their contracts and are seeking extensions, leading to speculation about whether they would report for the offseason program.
The Niners have had offseason contract disputes last deep into the summer the past three seasons. Deebo Samuel missed the first few training camp practices in 2022 before signing an extension, while Nick Bosa didn’t get his deal done in 2023 until just days before the season opener and Brandon Aiyuk missed all of training camp practice last summer waiting for a new deal.
Purdy said at the end of the season in January that he hoped to have a new deal done before the start of the offseason program. That hasn’t happened yet but he chose not to hold out as he tries to help the Niners rebound from a 6-11 season.
“That’s Brock,” general manager John Lynch said. “He’s a pro. Brock’s very clear-minded and not going to let other people influence what he should be doing. ... We’re looking forward to having him as our quarterback for a long time.”
Purdy has made less than $1 million a year for his first three seasons and is set to get a small raise in 2025 to about $5.2 million under the league’s proven performance escalator for making the Pro Bowl last season.
But Purdy’s play has far exceeded that salary and he is eligible this offseason to negotiate an extension for the first time and could be in line for a contract that will pay him in excess of $50 million a year.
The two sides have been talking for much of the offseason and Lynch remains optimistic a deal will get done.
“I think there’s been some talks that have this thing going in a good direction and I’ll leave it at that,” he said.
After finishing fourth in MVP voting in his first full season as a starter in 2023, Purdy was far less productive last season as injuries to several key playmakers had a major impact on the Niners offense.
Purdy’s passer rating dropped nearly 17 points to 96.1, he had only 20 TD passes and 12 interceptions on the season, and also came up short in several late-game scenarios when the 49ers had a chance for a comeback win.
But the belief in Purdy from the organization remains as strong as it has been from owner Jed York, to Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan.
The 31-year-old Kittle is entering the final year of a five-year, $75 million extension that he signed in 2020. He is owed $14.4 million in base salary for this season. The tight end market got re-set this offseason when Arizona signed Trey McBride to a $76 million, four-year extension for the highest annual value for any tight end.
Kittle was a second-team All-Pro last season when he had 78 catches for 1,106 yards and eight TDs. Since being drafted in the fifth round in 2017, Kittle has been a first or second-team All-Pro five times in eight seasons and has 538 catches for 7,380 yards and 45 TDs.
Lynch said he didn't know if Kittle would show up later in the offseason program.
“We’ll see on that,” he said. “These things are voluntary right now. We’ve had good communication and good talks and we’ll see how that goes.”
Lynch said that star left tackle Trent Williams was in attendance after missing the end of last season with an ankle injury and is feeling healthy.
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FILE - San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, left, celebrates with tight end George Kittle (85) after throwing a touchdown pass against the Seattle Seahawks during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez, File)
FILE - San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle carries the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez, File)
FILE - San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) aims a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)
