Highest-paid tight ends in the NFL after 49ers TE George Kittle's extension

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San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle became the highest-paid tight end in the NFL with the contract extension he announced Tuesday. Who else makes that list?

Kittle announced his four-year, $76.4 million extension via a social media post from the "Bussin' With The Boys" podcast – hosted by former NFL players Taylor Lewan and Will Compton – on Tuesday. The 49ers' star was set to hit free agency after the 2025 season, but his new extension will keep him in the Bay Area through the 2029 season.

The deal also makes Kittle the NFL's highest-paid player at his position. Its $19.1 million average annual value surpasses that of the deal Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride signed earlier this month.

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The value of the tight end position has grown significantly over the last couple of decades as stars like Antonio Gates and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce emerged. Top tight ends are expected to be excellent pass-catching threats to go along with their contributions as an extra in-line blocker.

Kittle has excelled as both a blocked and a pass-catcher throughout his career and has been rewarded for it with his new deal.

Here are a few other players that have managed to secure big-time paydays at the tight end position:

Highest-paid NFL tight ends in 2025

These players are the top-paid tight ends in the NFL in 2025, ranked by average annual value (AAV).

1. George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers: Four years, $76.4 million (AAV: $19.1 million)
2. Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals: Four years, $76 million (AAV: $19 million)
3. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs: Two years, $34.25 million (AAV: $17.13 million)
4. T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings: Four years, $66 million (AAV: $16.5 million)
5. Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles: Four years, $57 million (AAV: $14.25 million)
6. Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens: Four years, $56 million (AAV: $14 million)
7. David Njoku, Cleveland Browns: Four years, $54.75 million (AAV: $13.69 million)
8. Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears: Four years, $50 million (AAV: $12.5 million)
9. Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers: Four years, $48.4 million (AAV: $12.1 million)
10. Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans: Three years, $36 million (AAV: $12 million)