When his career is over, tight end George Kittle is going to go down as one of the greatest San Francisco 49ers of all time.

That’s quite an accolade, especially considering the many legends who have donned the red and gold over the years.

While Kittle continues to ascend the franchise record books, the 31 year old’s long-term future still carries a shadow of doubt, particularly when questioning whether or not he’ll finish his career with the Niners.

The “People’s Tight End” is entering a contract year in 2025, and his current deal expires in 2026. Kittle has expressed his desire to spend his entire career in the Bay Area, but there may be elements out of his control.

When asked about the nature of contract extension talks in the week leading up to Super Bowl 59, Kittle responded with, “I have no idea.” He also hinted his camp was “waiting” on San Francisco for further developments.

So, what’s the holdup?

Weeks after Kittle’s comments were made, general manager John Lynch shed light on the situation when speaking from the NFL Combine.

“We’ve already talked about it,” Lynch said when asked about a pending Kittle extension. “We want George to retire a Niner. He’s one of those guys. He’s a Niner through and through. And so, we want that to become a reality.

“I think the only thing on that is timing, and that’s no different from what I’ve told George and his agent. [There are] some other things that we’re focused on, and George is certainly there. But I think that’s something we want to all see become a reality, including George.”

OK, so, again. What’s the holdup?

Looming Brock Purdy extension is likely delaying George Kittle’s own extension

Extending Kittle is a priority, but it’s not the No. 1 priority Lynch and the 49ers are thinking about at the moment.

No, instead, the Niners are focusing on extending quarterback Brock Purdy on a new contract that’ll likely make him one of the NFL’s top-paid players, significantly altering how San Francisco manages its salary-cap situation over the next four-plus years.

The outcome of those talks will have a direct impact on how Lynch and Co. approach Kittle.

Lynch confirmed he and the 49ers have already begun working on an extension with Purdy. While the general manager wouldn’t go into much detail about those discussions, it’s pretty clear when meshing the two talking points that Purdy’s extension is taking precedent over Kittle’s.

Especially when Lynch said there were “other things that we’re focused on.”

Kittle undoubtedly knows this, but it’s also in his best interest to secure financial longevity at the soonest possible opportunity.

Until Purdy’s situation is resolved, though, Kittle’s own situation might have to remain dormant.