There’s a clear-cut offensive MVP for the San Francisco 49ers through the first half of the 2024 season, but it wouldn’t likely have been a name atop the list of contenders to start the year.
It isn’t always easy to parse an offensive MVP for a team as loaded as San Francisco on that side of the ball. However, injuries and a handful of other factors made it easy to identify tight end George Kittle as the 49ers’ best offensive player through eight games.
Running back Jordan Mason was in the mix, but was slowed down by a shoulder injury in two out of the last three weeks. Quarterback Brock Purdy has had too many turnovers to win the spot despite a strong first half. Wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel were too up-and-down in the first eight games to secure consideration.
That leaves Kittle, who leads the 49ers in targets (49), receptions (40), receiving yards (503), and total touchdowns (six), as the easy option.
There wasn’t a better display of Kittle’s value than his performance in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys. Aiyuk was out after suffering a season-ending knee injury. WR Jauan Jennings was also out because of a hip issue. Mason ended up leaving the game in the second quarter as well.
Purdy leaned on Kittle to be a playmaker in the passing game, and the 31-year-old TE delivered. He hauled in six of his seven targets for 128 yards and one touchdown. Kittle remains a tone-setter for the 49ers’ offense as a receiver, and with his work as a run blocker.
There is a ton of talent on the offensive side of the ball for San Francisco, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the second half features a different MVP. For the first eight games, though, Kittle looked more like a player entering his prime than one in his early 30s. That’s why he gets the nod for our early offensive MVP award.