Kittle returns to 49ers' facility amid reported contract talks

Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Friday that star tight end George Kittle was back in the San Francisco 49ers' team facility Friday amid reports of ongoing contract negotiations.

"He was here today. Hung out a little bit and worked out with the team, so it was cool," Shanahan said, according to The Mercury News' Cam Inman.

Kittle was notably absent from the start of the Niners' voluntary offseason program earlier this week, which led to speculation about a possible contract dispute as he enters the final season of a five-year, $75-million extension signed in 2020.

The two-time first-team All-Pro denied his absence had anything to do with his contract.

San Francisco and the six-time Pro Bowler reportedly remain far apart in extension talks. Kittle is set to carry a cap hit of $22 million this season, according to Over the Cap.

The Niners are currently negotiating a new deal for quarterback Brock Purdy, who's set to play out the final year of his rookie contract in 2025. Star linebacker Fred Warner is also seeking an extension despite having two more years on his deal.

Kittle continues to be productive, posting back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. The 31-year-old is among several holdovers on a Niners roster that has witnessed several veterans leave this offseason, including Deebo Samuel, Javon Hargrave, and Talanoa Hufanga.