Evaluating George Kittle's 2024 fantasy outlook following offseason surgery

In the barren field of the tight end position, George Kittle has been a rare consistent option for fantasy managers to rely on since his NFL debut in 2017.

Still going strong at 30 years old, Kittle projects to have another top 10 finish perhaps solely on the assumption that the state of the position remains dull. However, the veteran has given fantasy managers and fans cause for concern ahead of his eighth year in the league following his shaky 2024 offseason.

In an appearance on the Bussin' With the Boys podcast, the former All-Pro claimed to have lost roughly 30 pounds since Super Bowl LVIII. Kittle told hosts Taylor Lewan and Will Compton that his postseason injuries caused him to go almost a full month without any physical activity.

Injuries have often been the story with Kittle, who has played just one full season in his career. Despite his advancing age and ongoing health problems, Kittle believes that he is still an elite tight end and will prove so in 2024.

George Kittle 2023 fantasy production

In 2023, Kittle topped 1,000 yards for the third time in his career while matching his carer-high with 16 games played. His touchdowns, however, decreased from 11 in 2022 to just six in 2023.

The 1,020 yards he racked up led all tight ends by a slight margin and was good enough to finish 24th in receiving yards in 2023. Travis Kelce finished second amongst tight ends with 984 yards.

At the end of the year, Kittle's numbers were good enough to finish second in standard leagues behind only Sam LaPorta. In PPR leagues, Kittle finished fifth in both half and full-point formats.

George Kittle 2024 fantasy outlook

Tight ends are not typically as cursed with shortened careers as running backs but 30 tends to be the tipping point for most players. Kittle reached that mark during the 2023 season and will turn 31 in October. He still had a productive year but will enter 2024 after recovering from a significant injury in the offseason.

His injury is worth noting but the weight should not be a concern by training camp. He will have to put in additional time over the summer given his age but if there is any player to confidently believe in their work ethic, it is the former Hawkeye.

Regardless of any health concerns, Kittle's 2023 could arguably be the best year of his career, and not many other tight ends are candidates for 1,000-yard seasons. He showed improved chemistry with Brock Purdy in their second year together as a reliable target over the middle of the field.

San Francisco's offense has notoriously become one of the most efficient in the league under Purdy and Kyle Shanahan but by that same token, can often lead to a frustrating guessing game in fantasy. With so many elite weapons, Kittle is constantly competing with Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Christian McCaffrey and Jauan Jennings for consistent fantasy production. Aiyuk's contract situation is worth monitoring but unless he gets traded, the roster will likely look the same by Week 1.

In the current state of tight end, Kittle could enter 2024 with eight fingers and he would still be an early-round pick in re-draft leagues. Until he proves otherwise, he still needs to be treated as a top option.