Star tight end George Kittle is “really happy” about one of the newest additions to the 49ers this offseason: veteran quarterback Sam Darnold.
“I’ve known him for a couple of years now, so getting the opportunity to play with him is really exciting,” the four-time Pro Bowler recently told The Post of Darnold, who signed a one-year deal with San Francisco in March.
“He’s got a lot of talent and a great arm, but overall I’ve really noticed how he interacts with the other guys. He’s super positive towards everybody and has a relationship with people; he’s not shy and I think that’s what you need in a quarterback. I’m really happy to have him here.”
A former first-round pick, Darnold, 26, began his career with the Jets in 2018 before he was traded to the Panthers three years later.
He entered the 2022 season as Baker Mayfield’s backup in Carolina and saw some action later in the year, throwing for 1,143 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions through six games.
Darnold now joins a quarterbacks room that boasts budding young talent in Trey Lance, the 49ers’ third-overall pick in 2021 who is coming off of a season-ending ankle injury, and last year’s rookie sensation Brock Purdy, who led the 49ers to the NFC Championship in January.
Despite falling short of a Super Bowl berth with a 31-7 loss to the Eagles in the NFC title game, the 29-year-old Kittle believes the 49ers have what it takes to reach the NFL mountaintop.
“Our goal is to win the Super Bowl and we’re doing everything we can to work towards that. We’re practicing well, practicing smart, keeping guys healthy, and just trying to keep our talented team on the field. Because we feel like if we’re healthy, and if we’re rolling, then we have a chance to win every single game,” he said.
Though Kittle has spent much of the offseason “getting [his] body and [his] mind right” for the year ahead, he got the creative juices flowing too.
Earlier this month, Kittle celebrated the launch of his limited-edition clothing collection with Chubbies which includes swim trunks, shorts, joggers, and more.
“I really wanted this first drop to be something personal, and to represent a different part of me,” said Kittle, who looked to his mom for inspiration.
“My family is everything, and my mom is one of my biggest supporters. Sunflowers are her favorite flower, so the print for this Summer collection was a tribute to her.”
Kittle also sought assistance from his wife of four years, Claire, during the design process.
“She knows me and my style so well and is able to help me organize all my ideas and inspiration,” Kittle said.
With a packed summer that includes this month’s Tight End University, an annual summit he founded for athletes in 2021 with former NFL tight end Greg Olsen and the Chiefs’ two-time Super Bowl champion, Travis Kelce, Kittle plans to savor downtime with his loved ones until training camp begins in July.
“[I’m] really just hanging out with my wife and dog. And maybe get a few rounds of golf in,” he said.
The 49ers will face the Raiders in their first preseason matchup on Sunday, Aug. 13, in Las Vegas.
They’ll open the regular season against the Steelers in Pittsburgh on Sunday, Sept. 10.