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

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.

Kittle is entering the final year of his contract, which holds a $22 million salary cap number for the Niners. Per OverTheCap, his contract's $15 million average annual value places him fourth at the tight end position, with Arizona Cardinals star Trey McBride leading the pack with his market-setting four-year, $76 million deal ($19 million AAV).