The San Francisco 49ers are in the early stages of negotiating a contract extension for quarterback Brock Purdy, with general manager John Lynch confirming that discussions have commenced. There’s a mutual desire to secure Purdy as the team's long-term quarterback, indicating the organization’s commitment to him after a strong performance in his initial season.

In addition to Purdy's situation, the 49ers are also addressing other player contracts before free agency begins. Notably, wide receiver Deebo Samuel has requested a trade, and Lynch acknowledged the team is working to accommodate this request while maintaining a positive relationship with the player. Meanwhile, tight end George Kittle is entering the final year of his contract, and discussions have already started regarding his future with the team.

George Kittle is the top tight end in the league, with a PFF receiving grade of 92.4 and a run-blocking grade of 70.8, showcasing his well-rounded skills. Trey McBride followed him closely, catching 111 passes for 1,146 yards but struggled with touchdowns, only scoring once through the air until Week 17. Brock Bowers of the Raiders had an impressive rookie season, setting a rookie tight end record with 1,194 receiving yards.

Mark Andrews rebounded from a slow start to lead in red-zone touchdowns, while Jonnu Smith found success in Miami, achieving personal bests across multiple categories. Austin Hooper remained a reliable option for the Patriots, while Isaiah Likely made the Ravens' tight end duo formidable. T.J. Hockenson and Sam LaPorta rounded out the top performances, both showing steady production despite injuries and team dynamics.

The San Francisco 49ers face a pivotal offseason with Deebo Samuel's trade request complicating their plans. With Brandon Aiyuk recovering from a significant knee injury and starting the 2025 season on the PUP list, the team is in dire need of a playmaker to join their thin receiving corps, which currently includes Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall. A potential candidate, Amari Cooper, emerges as a fitting option due to his ability to create separation and challenge one-on-one matchups. Although Cooper posted lower stats last season, he still brings valuable experience and can serve as a red zone target for the 49ers' offense.

Despite Cooper's talent, his fantasy value is limited. As he enters his 11th season, he will likely be a situational receiver and could rank as a WR4 or flex option when Aiyuk returns, pushing him further down the depth chart.

The age cliff for NFL tight ends is a critical consideration for fantasy football managers. Players typically begin to experience declines around age 30, though elite talents can defy this trend for a while longer. Travis Kelce, for instance, had an outstanding 2022 season at 33, making him an outlier.

In contrast, players such as George Kittle and Mark Andrews continue to perform at high levels even as they approach their 30s. Kittle caught 78 passes for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns last season, showcasing that many tight ends can remain competitive longer than expected. Conversely, players like Zach Ertz and Tyler Higbee, who are both over 30, may be nearing the end of their productive years.

Jed York, owner of the San Francisco 49ers, affirmed the team's commitment to quarterback Brock Purdy as they initiate discussions for a long-term contract. Following a rough 2024 season, which ended with a 6-11 record, York expressed optimism for Purdy's future. Despite a significant drop in performance, attributed to injuries among key players, Purdy's previous success has positioned him as a pivotal figure for the Niners.

Purdy, now in the final year of his rookie contract, is expected to negotiate a lucrative extension after previously being one of the NFL's biggest bargains. Having led the team to strong playoff runs in earlier seasons and finishing fourth in MVP voting last year, there is still strong organizational faith in his capabilities to lead the 49ers back to Super Bowl contention.