49ers TE George Kittle Draws Highest Praise From NFL Executive

Most would agree that the only thing that can slow down San Franciso 49ers tight end George Kittle is injuries.

The seven-time Pro Bowler has been one of the more dominant players at his position since entering the league as fifth-round pick in 2017, but last season injuries derailed what could've been his third straight 1,000-yard season.

Kittle missed seven games last season due to hamstring, ankle, and Achilles injuries. He's also dealt with a fractured foot, a pulled groin, a calf strain, a knee sprain, and a patella injury during his NFL career.

But injuries aside, one anonymous NFL executive believes that the 32-year-old Kittle, who was ranked No. 3 in ESPN's TE power rankings - determined by polling league executives, coaches and scouts - is still among the best, if not the best TE in the NFL.

"Injuries and durability are becoming a concern, but when he’s healthy, he’s still the most versatile, dominant, complete tight end," an NFC executive told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "He’s still the gold standard for blocking, running and catching."

That's high praise for a player in his 30s competing with several other up-and-coming stars like Las Vegas' Brock Bowers, Arizona's Trey McBride, Detroit's Sam LaPorta, and Indianapolis' Tyler Warren.

Bowers, McBride, LaPorta, and Warren were ranked first, second, fourth, and fifth, respectively in ESPN's rankings.

Since 2017, Kittle ranks second in receptions (595), receiving yards (8,008), and yards per reception (13.5), third in touchdowns (52), and fourth in targets (802) among all tight ends.

Injury-shortened 2025 season aside, Kittle has recorded 60 or more receptions and 700 or more yards in six seasons, including four 1,000-yard performances. He also hasn't had fewer than six touchdown catches since 2020.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published July 10, 2026 at 7:56 PM.