NFL's Highest-Paid Tight Ends in 2026: George Kittle Leads the Top 10
Tight ends have become an important part of modern NFL offenses, but their salaries still trail many other positions. Elite tight ends can contribute as blockers, receivers and red-zone targets, making them valuable pieces for their teams.
For the 2026 NFL season, 16 tight ends are currently set to earn at least $10 million per year in average annual salary. Three tight ends are scheduled to make at least $17.6 million annually.
San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle leads the position with an average annual salary of $19.1 million.
The rankings are based on average annual salary, according to Over The Cap contract data through Aug. 30, 2026.
Who Is the Highest-Paid Tight End in the NFL?
George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers is the highest-paid tight end in the NFL for the 2026 season.
Kittle has an average annual salary of $19.1 million. His current contract has a total value of $76.4 million and includes $35 million in guaranteed money.
His contract puts him at the top of the NFL tight end salary rankings.
Top 10 Highest-Paid NFL Tight Ends in 2026
Here are the highest-paid tight ends based on average annual salary.
George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers, $19.1 million per year
Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals, $19 million per year
Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons, $17.6 million per year
Isaiah Likely, New York Giants, $13.3 million per year
Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens, $13.1 million per year
Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans, $12.6 million per year
Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears, $12.5 million per year
Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys, $12.5 million per year
Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers, $12.1 million per year
Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars, $12 million per year
Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs, $12 million per year
George Kittle Leads NFL Tight End Salaries
Kittle sits at the top of the 2026 tight end salary rankings with an average annual salary of $19.1 million.
Trey McBride is close behind at $19 million per year, while Kyle Pitts ranks third at $17.6 million.
The gap grows after the top three, with Isaiah Likely earning $13.3 million and Mark Andrews earning $13.1 million annually.
Three Tight Ends Earn at Least $17.6 Million
Only three tight ends are currently scheduled to earn at least $17.6 million per season.
Kittle leads at $19.1 million, followed by McBride at $19 million and Pitts at $17.6 million.
The remaining players in the top 10 all earn between $12 million and $13.3 million annually.
NFL Tight End Salary Rankings for 2026
The 2026 rankings feature several established stars and emerging offensive weapons.
Dalton Schultz ranks sixth at $12.6 million per year. Cole Kmet and Jake Ferguson are tied at $12.5 million.
Pat Freiermuth follows at $12.1 million, while Brenton Strange and veteran Travis Kelce are tied at $12 million per season.
The list includes 11 players because of ties at seventh and 10th.
16 Tight Ends Earn at Least $10 Million
Sixteen NFL tight ends are currently set to earn at least $10 million per year in average annual salary.
That figure shows the growing financial value of tight ends who can make an impact in both the passing and running game.
Summary
George Kittle is the highest-paid tight end in the NFL for the 2026 season, with an average annual salary of $19.1 million.
Trey McBride ranks second at $19 million, followed by Kyle Pitts at $17.6 million.
Sixteen tight ends are currently scheduled to earn at least $10 million annually, while three players make at least $17.6 million per season.
Full List of NFL's highest paid players by Each Position in 2026 Season:
Highest-Paid Quarterbacks | Highest-Paid Running backs |
Highest-Paid Wide receivers | Highest-Paid Tight ends |
Highest-Paid Cornerbacks | Highest-Paid Safeties |
Highest-Paid Linebackers | Highest-Paid Offensive-linemen |
Highest-Paid Defensive-linemen | Highest-Paid Edge rushers |
Highest paid Kickers | Highest-Paid Punters |
Highest paid Offensive Guards | Highest-Paid Centers |
Highest paid players: Overall Rankings
Highest-Paid Players By position | Highest-Paid Players By team
FAQs About the NFL's Highest-Paid Tight Ends in 2026
Who is the highest-paid tight end in the NFL in 2026?
George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers is the highest-paid tight end in the NFL in 2026. He has an average annual salary of $19.1 million.
How much is George Kittle's contract worth?
George Kittle's current contract has a total value of $76.4 million and includes $35 million in guaranteed money.
Who is the second-highest-paid tight end in the NFL?
Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals ranks second among the NFL's highest-paid tight ends. He earns an average annual salary of $19 million.
Which tight ends make at least $17 million per year?
George Kittle, Trey McBride and Kyle Pitts are the three tight ends earning at least $17 million per year in average annual salary.
How many NFL tight ends make at least $10 million per year?
Sixteen tight ends are currently set to earn at least $10 million per year in average annual salary during the 2026 season.
Who is the highest-paid tight end on the Atlanta Falcons?
Kyle Pitts is the highest-paid Falcons tight end on the list. He earns an average annual salary of $17.6 million.
Who is the highest-paid tight end on the Baltimore Ravens?
Mark Andrews ranks among the highest-paid tight ends in 2026. He earns an average annual salary of $13.1 million.
How much does Travis Kelce make in 2026?
Kansas City Chi
efs tight end Travis Kelce is tied for 10th on the list with an average annual salary of $12 million.
Which tight ends are tied at $12.5 million per year?
Cole Kmet of the Chicago Bears and Jake Ferguson of the Dallas Cowboys are tied at an average annual salary of $12.5 million.
How are the highest-paid NFL tight ends ranked?
The rankings are based on average annual salary, which represents the average annual value of each player's contract. The figures are based on contract data available through Aug. 30, 2026.
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usatoday, Overthecap
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