George Kittle should be the top fantasy pass-catcher at tight end for the San Francisco 49ers heading into 2025. The trade of Deebo Samuel leaves more target opportunities, as players like Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall are expected to take a major step forward. The reliable Kittle could exceed his 2024 season, as an extended Brock Purdy should target him plenty in the red zone. While the 31-year-old was the 3rd-ranked tight end in PPR and half-PPR, he should be at the top of the leaderboards in standard for fantasy football redraft.
George Kittle 2024 Stats and Fantasy Production
With Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and Christian McCaffrey all out for extended periods of time at different points for the 49ers, Kittle also missed a few games but still played 15 in 2024. While he does have a pretty documented injury history, the star tight end still went over 1,106 yards receiving, 78 catches, and had eight touchdowns.
This was the second-best career high for him, with the first being in 2018. Entering his 9th NFL season, Kittle should be the focal point for San Francisco, with Kyle Shanahan scheming the offense well for Purdy. Whether it’s him blocking or getting a fast break touchdown from the seam, Kittle could be a value with younger tight ends like Brock Bowers and Trey McBride getting taken rounds ahead of him.
George Kittle 2025 Fantasy Outlook
With a decent strength of schedule and with their lack of some star power, Kittle should be the man for the 49ers once again. Even if he misses a few games, according to FantasyPros, the number one option had 12 Top 10 finishes even in PPR at the position. The veteran tight end had nine Top 5 finishes also, as he had those boom games you look for, but also the consistency to win your week on a solid basis.
At minimum, he is a shoo-in for over 50 catches and around 600-700 yards, along with five-plus touchdowns easy most seasons. While Kittle is usually a round two or three draft pick in standard, in half or full PPR, his fall to the fourth or fifth round does offer value, depending on whether Bowers and McBride get taken ahead of him.
