In early April, Arizona’s Trey McBride made headlines by signing a four-year, $76 million contract, becoming the first tight end in NFL history to average $19 million per year. Shortly after, George Kittle of the 49ers signed a contract that averaged $19.1 million annually, thanks to an inflated final year that strategically raised his average above McBride’s.
McBride expressed his satisfaction with the rising salaries for tight ends, regardless of his temporary title as the highest-paid player at the position. He acknowledged the significance of his contract as a milestone while congratulating Kittle, stating, “I’m very excited for him.”
Looking forward, McBride hopes that future tight ends will surpass the $20 million mark. He stated, “I would love for someone to jump [Kittle] and everyone just keep jumping each other,” emphasizing his desire for tight ends to receive higher compensation.
Among potential candidates to break the $20 million barrier in the near future are Sam LaPorta of the Lions, who will be eligible for a second contract in 2026, and Brock Bowers of the Raiders, eligible in 2027.
Overall, the recent contracts highlight a growing trend in the NFL where tight ends are increasingly recognized and compensated for their contributions to the game, marking a positive shift in player earnings for this position.
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