George Kittle Scores Double-Digit Touchdown Grabs

It’s been a two-horse race for the title of the NFL’s best tight end, with Kittle and Chiefs superstar Travis Kelce making compelling cases nearly each week.

Rob Gronkowski’s surprise return out of retirement shouldn’t change that, but the big-time contract extension Kittle signed should signal a doubling-down on him as the focal point of the 49ers offense. Expect that to turn into a personal-best for touchdowns scored.

If Samuel misses extended time early in the year, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is going to turn to his most familiar weapon in scoring position; and that’s Kittle, who was targeted more often than any of his teammates last year but caught just five touchdown passes. We’re calling it now that he’ll double that in 2020.