The highest paid tight ends NFL 2026 rankings put San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle alone at the top.
Kittle carries an average annual salary of $19.1 million. Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride sits just $100,000 behind him at $19 million. Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts ranks third at $17.6 million. Those three are the only players at the position currently scheduled to earn at least $17.6 million per year.
Sixteen tight ends are set to make at least $10 million in average annual salary. The position continues to grow in value as offenses rely more on versatile tight ends who can block, catch and finish drives in the red zone. Here is the complete look at the highest paid tight ends NFL 2026.
Highest Paid Tight Ends NFL 2026 Rankings
| Rank | Player | Team | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | George Kittle | San Francisco 49ers | $19.1 million |
| 2 | Trey McBride | Arizona Cardinals | $19 million |
| 3 | Kyle Pitts | Atlanta Falcons | $17.6 million |
| 4 | Isaiah Likely | New York Giants | $13.3 million |
| 5 | Mark Andrews | Baltimore Ravens | $13.1 million |
| 6 | Dalton Schultz | Houston Texans | $12.6 million |
| 7 | Cole Kmet | Chicago Bears | $12.5 million |
| 7 | Jake Ferguson | Dallas Cowboys | $12.5 million |
| 9 | Pat Freiermuth | Pittsburgh Steelers | $12.1 million |
| 10 | Brenton Strange | Jacksonville Jaguars | $12 million |
| 10 | Travis Kelce | Kansas City Chiefs | $12 million |
The list stretches to 11 names because of ties at seventh and tenth.
George Kittle Salary Sets the Standard
George Kittle salary numbers give him the top spot among all tight ends. His current contract carries a total value of $76.4 million and includes $35 million in guaranteed money.
That deal makes him the highest paid tight end in the NFL and reflects years of consistent production as both a receiver and blocker for the 49ers. Kittle has long been the measuring stick at the position. The new average annual value simply confirms it.
Trey McBride and Kyle Pitts Stay Close Behind
Trey McBride’s $19 million average annual salary leaves him just one step short of the lead. The Cardinals tight end has developed into one of the most reliable pass-catchers at the position.
Kyle Pitts ranks third at $17.6 million. The former top-10 pick continues to offer unique size and speed that few defenses can match. Together the top three form a clear upper tier in the NFL highest-paid tight ends 2026 rankings.
The Next Group in NFL Tight End Salaries 2026
Isaiah Likely sits fourth at $13.3 million after joining the Giants. Mark Andrews follows at $13.1 million with the Ravens. Dalton Schultz ranks sixth at $12.6 million in Houston.
Cole Kmet and Jake Ferguson share the next spot at $12.5 million. Pat Freiermuth earns $12.1 million in Pittsburgh. Brenton Strange and veteran Travis Kelce round out the top group at $12 million each.
Those contracts show a solid middle tier of proven starters and emerging weapons who have secured multi-year security.
How Deep the Tight End Market Runs
Sixteen tight ends are currently scheduled to earn at least $10 million per season. Only three clear the $17.6 million mark.
The gap between the top tier and the rest of the list remains noticeable. Still, the overall number of players above $10 million shows that teams continue to invest in tight ends who can impact both the run and pass game. NFL tight end salaries 2026 reflect a position that has gained financial respect without reaching the heights of quarterbacks, edge rushers or top wide receivers.
George Kittle currently owns the top spot among the highest paid tight ends NFL 2026. McBride and Pitts form a strong second and third. The rest of the list features a mix of established veterans and younger players who have already locked in significant money. As new extensions land, the rankings will keep shifting, but the current order gives a clear picture of how the position is valued heading into the season.
FAQ
Who is the highest paid tight end in the NFL in 2026?
George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers leads the highest paid tight ends NFL 2026 list at $19.1 million per year.
How much is the George Kittle salary package?
His current contract is worth $76.4 million total with $35 million guaranteed.
Who ranks second among the NFL highest-paid tight ends 2026?
Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals sits second at $19 million.
How many tight ends earn at least $10 million?
Sixteen tight ends are scheduled to make at least $10 million in average annual value.
Which two players are tied at $12 million?
Brenton Strange and Travis Kelce share the $12 million mark.
