George Kittle Still 'Gold Standard' Says NFL Executive Despite Injuries

George Kittle remains the gold standard at tight end when healthy, according to an anonymous NFC executive who spoke to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The San Francisco 49ers star, now 32, earned the No. 3 spot in ESPN's latest tight end power rankings, which polled league executives, coaches and scouts.

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

That's high praise for a seven-time Pro Bowler entering his 10th NFL season. Kittle has battled a long list of injuries: a fractured foot, pulled groin, calf strain, knee sprain, and patella issue: but the league still views him as elite.

ESPN's rankings placed Kittle at No. 3 behind Las Vegas' Brock Bowers and Arizona's Trey McBride. Detroit's Sam LaPorta came in at No. 4, and Indianapolis' Tyler Warren rounded out the top five.

Since entering the league as a fifth-round pick in 2017, Kittle ranks second among all tight ends in receptions (595), receiving yards (8,008), and yards per reception (13.5). He's third in touchdowns (52) and fourth in targets (802).

Kittle missed seven games in the 2025 season due to hamstring, ankle, and Achilles injuries. That derailed what could have been his third straight 1,000-yard campaign.

But the numbers tell a bigger story. Kittle has posted 60 or more catches and 700-plus yards in six different seasons. He's topped 1,000 yards four times. And he hasn't finished with fewer than six touchdown catches since 2020.

The 49ers tight end turns 33 during the 2026 season. Durability questions will follow him, but the executive's comments show the league still respects his all-around game.

Kittle remains the NFL's most complete tight end when on the field. The challenge is staying there. If he can, the production: and the praise: should keep coming.