San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle pushed back against a rumor about his current contract demands. The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported Wednesday that Kittle "wants to become the NFL’s highest-paid tight end." She added that he and the Niners "remain apart" in negotiations.

The 49ers' internal culture, even above the talent, has to be so strong, after all.

George Kittle did not participate in the first day of the 49ers' voluntary offseason program, but he is denying a report that he is in a contract dispute with the team.