George Kittle on signing contract extension: ‘WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!’

The 49ers on Friday made George Kittle’s five-year contract extension official, just one day before the team is set to begin padded practices.

Reports indicate the deal will be worth $15 million annually — a record for tight ends that exceeded the previous high by $4.5 million per year.

Kittle released a statement after the announcement that came with a final word that matches his gregarious personality. He thanked his family, wife, coaches, and the 49ers before thanking the fans and punctuating the statement in a way only Kittle can.

Getting the contract erases the biggest question mark still looming over Kittle and the 49ers going into the year. He was set to participate in camp even without a long-term deal, but eliminating this story line before the season started gives Kittle free reign to continue playing with his rough-and-tumble style without thinking about his pending long-term deal.

For San Francisco, they’ve locked up their best offensive player and a foundational piece of a core they hope can get the organization back to regular Super Bowl contention.

“We are thrilled to have reached an agreement with George to keep him in red and gold well into the future,” said general manager John Lynch in a statement. “George was part of our first draft class and represents as well as anyone the core values we covet in the players we build our team with. His talent and spirit are unique, his will and grit contagious and his production undeniable. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for George and our team with him a part of it.”