The Facts: The 49ers might not be close in contract talks with Kittle‘s representation, but HC Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch expressed confidence Monday that they eventually will get their All-Pro tight end signed to a long-term deal. Today marked the first day since last season that Shanahan and Lynch could talk to Kittle in person. “We are working diligently to come to a resolution,” Lynch said on a conference call, via Jennifer Lee Chan. “I’ve been on record talking about what George means to this place. We’ve tried to be respectful of the agent-player thing, but it’s always nice just to talk to the player."

Diehards Line:Kittle heads into the final season of his rookie contract due to make a $2.133 million base salary. He is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in March, and the 49ers presumably would use the franchise tag on Kittle if he hasn’t signed a long-term contract extension by then. It’s a good bet Kittle will become the highest-paid player at his position. Chargers tight end Hunter Henry will make $10.6 million in 2020 under the franchise tag, while Browns tight end Austin Hooper signed the biggest long-term contract for the position with a four-year $42 million deal. ... We'll continue to watch for more.