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The 25 Highest-Paid NFL Tight Ends

  • Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce leads the way at $17.13 million.
  • 3 Tight Ends make over $15 million.
Dec 3, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce looks on during warmups prior to the Green Bay Packers against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

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 is the highest-paid tight end and most recognizable in the NFL. 

He signed a two-year, $34.25 million contract extension with the Chiefs. Kelce earns $17.13 million annually, supplementing the lucrative contract he signed with Amazon over the summer. 

Second 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 third 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. 

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

George Kittle is the only NFL tight end who’s been among the top three highest-paid tight ends for at least five years.

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: November 4, 2024
  • Will be updated again: February 1, 2025
RankPlayerTeamTotal Compensation
1Travis KelceKansas City Chiefs$17.13 million
2T.J. HockensonMinnesota Vikings$16.5 million
3George KittleSan Francisco 49ers$15 million
4Dallas GoedertPhiladelphia Eagles$14.25 million
5Mark AndrewsBaltimore Ravens$14 million
6Evan EngramJacksonville Jaguars$13.75 million
7David NjokuCleveland Browns$13.69 million
8Cole KmetChicago Bears$12.5 million
9Pat FreiermuthPittsburgh Steelers$12.1 million
10Dalton SchultzHouston Texans$12 million
11Noah FantSeattle Seahawks$10.5 million
12Taysom HillNew Orleans Saints$10 million
13Dawson KnoxBuffalo Bills$9.83 million
14Hunter HenryNew England Patriots$9 million
15Tyler HigbeeLos Angeles Rams$8.5 million
16Kyle PittsAtlanta Falcons$8.23 million
17Colby ParkinsonLos Angeles Rams$7.5 million
18Josh OliverMinnesota Vikings$7 million
19Tyler ConklinNew York Jets$6.75 million
T-20Gerald EverettChicago Bears$6 million
T-20Juwan JohnsonNew Orleans Saints$6 million
T-20Noah GrayKansas City Chiefs$6 million
23Mo Alie-CoxIndianapolis Colts$5.85 million
24Will DisslyLos Angeles Chargers$4.67 million
25Brock BowersLas Vegas Raiders$4.53 million
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