There's more to the George Kittle contract extension than meets the eye. This was a good step for the San Francisco 49ers.

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the deal includes an $18.1 million signing bonus which will be paid in three increments over the next year ($3 million by May 9, $8.1 million by Sept. 12 and $7 million to be paid by April 3, 2026).

Avoiding a protracted holdout with tight end George Kittle assures a young 49ers roster won’t be deprived of his example.