George Kittle Makes Bold Case for $50M Annual Salaries for NFL Tight Ends

George Kittle is the highest paid tight end in the NFL, earning $19.1 million per year.

George Kittle Makes Bold Case for $50M Annual Salaries for NFL Tight Ends

George Kittle (Image via IMAGO)

George Kittle is making a case for NFL tight ends to earn more money. The San Francisco 49ers star believes tight ends deserve to earn $50 million/year.

Hosts Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce of The New Heights podcast asked Kittle about the salary condition of TEs in the league on the recent episode. They are earning more than a few years ago. But Kittle feels they can stand to earn more, given the work they put in during a game.

Kittle noted that NFC rivals and the current Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams, rely heavily on tight ends to do all the dirty work. Even among them, some register 30 catches and 300 to 400 yards and a couple of touchdowns—it’s similar to what a WR3 will put up on a team.

It’s such a dual threat [and] when you have multiple on the roster, you can just do… I think the tight end who plays like 50 snaps a game and has one target a game, he probably deserves… at least $50 million.

George Kittle told the Kelce brothers

In 2025, the 49ers agreed to a four-year, $76.4 million contract extension with $40 million guaranteed with Kittle, making him the highest-paid tight end. According to Over the Cap, Kittle earns $19.1 million per year. Arizona’s Trey McBride occupies the second spot with $19 million per year, and Kyle Pitts, who recently penned a three-year, $54 million contract with the Falcons, is in the third spot.

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George Kittle can create NFL history in 2026

There’s no denying that Kittle is one of the modern great tight ends of football, alongside Kelce and McBride. He’s a five-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl athlete and is not showing any signs of slowing down anytime soon.

George Kittle Makes Bold Case for $50M Annual Salaries for NFL Tight Ends
George Kittle (Image via IMAGO)

In 2026, he can add another feather to his cap. Kittle is currently at 8,008 career receiving yards on 595 receptions. If he plays a full season, Kittle can leap three players in one go.

The 33-year-old needs 538 yards to pass Jimmy Graham, 585 yards to pass Zach Ertz, and 676 yards to catch Greg Olsen. According to Pro Football Reference, Kittle has registered at least 600 yards in each of his last eight seasons. By the end of the season, there’s a big chance for Kittle to become the seventh-greatest receiving tight end in NFL history.

Of course, Kittle will have to play lights-out football to catch up to Kelce, who is third on the list with 13,002 yards. Even in the medals column, he’s behind by three Super Bowls.

An update on George Kittle’s health

Kittle’s numbers aren’t higher because he missed six games last season. A hamstring injury on the opening day of the season kept him out for the next few weeks. After returning to duty, Kittle caught 57 passes for 628 yards and scored 7 touchdowns.

In the Wildcard win over the Eagles, Kittle suffered an Achilles injury that ended his year. Last month, Kittle gave an update on his rehab.

I’m 21 weeks out, and I’m running over 16 miles an hour, so I’m having a great time. Single-leg box jumps, we’re cutting again, we’re having some fun.

Kittle said via the 49ers WebZone

The 49ers need Kittle to regain full strength to stand any chance of challenging both the Seahawks and the Rams in the NFC West. Last season, all three qualified for the playoffs, but that’s not going to happen every year.

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