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The 25 Highest-Paid NFL Tight Ends

  • Cardinals tight end Trey McBride leads the way at $19 million.
  • Four tight ends make at least $15 million.
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Tight ends are more similar to wide receivers in today’s NFL than offensive linemen in previous eras. Their versatility and popularity, on and off the field, explain the increase in their salaries over the years. 

Travis Kelce may be the most recognizable tight end in the NFL, but he’s no longer the highest-paid. Trey McBride is the new leader in that category, earning $19 million annually with the Cardinals.

McBride signed the record extension in April, worth $76 million over four years, taking in $43 million guaranteed. The deal makes him the highest-paid tight end in NFL history.

Travis Kelce is second after he signed a two-year, $34.25 million contract extension with the Chiefs in 2024. Kelce earns $17.13 million annually, supplementing the lucrative contract he signed with Amazon last summer. 

Third is T.J. Hockenson of the Vikings, who earns $16.5 million annually. The 27-year-old signed a four-year, $66 million contract extension in 2023, including $29.29 million guaranteed. 

George Kittle takes fourth with his average annual salary of $15 million with the 49ers. 

In 2020, Kittle signed an extension worth $75 million but has converted part of his salary into signing bonuses three times since then. 

He’s helped San Francisco save $26.54 million in cap space by doing so. 

Rounding out the top five is Dallas Goedert of the Eagles. Goedert earns $14.3 million annually for the Super Bowl champions and is signed through the end of this year.

Three of the top 10 highest-paid tight ends play in the AFC North. 

Top 25 Highest-Paid NFL Tight Ends 

Here is the list of the top 25 highest-paid NFL tight ends by average annual value. The list was compiled using data from Spotrac.

  • Updated: April 24th, 2025
  • Will be updated again: April 30th, 2025
RankPlayerTeamTotal Compensation
1Trey McBrideArizona Cardinals$19 million
2Travis KelceKansas City Chiefs$17.13 million
3T.J. HockensonMinnesota Vikings$16.5 million
4George KittleSan Francisco 49ers$15 million
5Dallas GoedertPhiladelphia Eagles$14.25 million
6Mark AndrewsBaltimore Ravens$14 million
7David NjokuCleveland Browns$13.7 million
8Cole KmetChicago Bears$12.5 million
9Pat FreiermuthPittsburgh Steelers$12.1 million
10Dalton SchultzHouston Texans$12 million
11Evan EngramDenver Broncos$11.5 million
12Noah FantSeattle Seahawks$10.5 million
13Juwan JohnsonNew Orleans Saints$10.3 million
14Taysom HillNew Orleans Saints$10 million
15Dawson KnoxBuffalo Bills$9.8 million
16Hunter HenryNew England Patriots$9 million
T-17Tyler HigbeeLos Angeles Rams$8.5 million
T-17Mike GesickiCincinnati Bengals$8.5 million
19Kyle PittsAtlanta Falcons$8.23 million
20Colby ParkinsonLos Angeles Rams$7.5 million
T-21John BatesWashington Commanders$7 million
T-21Josh OliverMinnesota Vikings$7 million
23Zach ErtzWashington Commanders$6.3 million
24Noah GrayKansas City Chiefs$6 million
T-25Luke FarrellSan Francisco 49ers$5.3 million
T-25Tommy TrembleCarolina Panthers$5.3 million

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