The NFL’s tight end position has experienced a major financial shift, with top players commanding salaries that reflect their critical role in their teams’ offenses. As the 2024 season progresses, many of these athletes have proven themselves as playmakers and as some of the highest-paid stars in the league.
With that in mind, here are the top six tight ends based on the average annual value (AAV) of their contracts.
6. Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars – $13.75 Million AAV
Evan Engram is no longer just a former first-round draft pick who didn’t live up to expectations. He found a fresh start with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and his numbers in 2023 proved he’s a big part of their offensive plan. Engram finished last season with career-highs in receptions (114) and receiving yards (963), making his three-year, $41.25 million contract extension with the Jaguars well-deserved. He’s got $24 million in guarantees, so the Jags are clearly betting on him to keep producing.
Through the first 9 games of 2024, Engram has continued to be a steady presence for quarterback Trevor Lawrence, hauling in 47 catches for 365 yards and a touchdown. His 7.8 yards per catch shows he’s been more of a short-to-intermediate target, but he’s still crucial in moving the chains. Engram’s 64 targets prove he’s not going anywhere, and with a cap hit of just $7 million in 2024, the Jaguars have a bargain for now, but that number will jump to $19.75 million in 2025.
5. Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens – $14 Million AAV
Mark Andrews is a familiar face among the league’s best tight ends. The Baltimore Ravens’ go-to receiving option has been on a roll for years, and his four-year, $56 million contract extension in 2021 locked him in as one of the highest-paid players at his position. With $37.58 million in guarantees, three-time Pro Bowler has been a big-time contributor to the Ravens’ offense.
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So far in 2024, Andrews has caught 51 passes for 619 yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 games. His 12.1 yards per reception still shows he’s a big-play threat, and with 61 targets, he remains one of quarterback Lamar Jackson’s most trusted targets.
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4. Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles – $14.25 Million AAV
Dallas Goedert has been a key part of the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive success in recent years. His four-year, $57 million contract extension, signed in 2021, came before the team made huge deals for Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith, which makes Goedert’s deal all the more impressive. He’s always been a reliable target in the passing game, finishing 2021 with a career-high 830 receiving yards. And even though the Eagles have a loaded offense, Goedert still plays an important role as one of the top tight ends in the league.
In the 2024 season so far, Goedert has 38 receptions for 441 yards and 2 touchdowns through 9 games. With 11.6 yards per reception, he’s still a big threat over the middle and down the field. With 46 targets, Goedert remains a key part of the Eagles’ offensive scheme, even with all the star power around him.
3. George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers – $15 Million AAV
George Kittle’s five-year, $75 million contract, signed back in 2020, is still the biggest contract ever given to a tight end. Though the deal’s per-year average has been surpassed in recent years, Kittle’s overall contract still holds up, and his on-field impact remains significant. Kittle has been a consistent performer for the San Francisco 49ers, posting a career-high 1,377 yards in 2018 and continuing to be one of the most well-rounded players at his position. His ability to block, catch passes, and make big plays has made him one of the most valuable tight ends in the league.
In the 2024 season, Kittle has recorded impressive numbers, with 68 catches for 967 yards and 8 touchdowns in 9 games. His 14.2 yards per catch shows that he’s still a deep threat, and his 83 targets prove that he’s a major part of the 49ers’ passing game. Kittle remains a crucial player in San Francisco’s offense, and despite having restructured his deal multiple times to help the team’s cap situation, he’s set to remain an important player for the 49ers for years.
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2. T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings – $16.5 Million AAV
T.J. Hockenson has quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s best tight ends after being traded to the Minnesota Vikings midseason in 2022. His four-year, $66 million contract, which includes an $18 million signing bonus and over $40 million in guarantees, is a testament to his growing importance in Minnesota’s offense. Hockenson put up solid numbers in 2023, with 39 catches for 446 yards and 0 touchdowns in 9 games, and the Vikings clearly believe in his talent. His contract also includes an opt-out after the 2025 season, so Hockenson has plenty of opportunities to continue proving himself.
So far in 2024, Hockenson has put up 39 receptions for 446 yards and 0 touchdowns in 9 games, showing he’s still an integral part of the Vikings’ offense. With 11.4 yards per reception, Hockenson is consistently moving the chains, but he will need to find the end zone more often if he wants to reach the next level.
1. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs – $17.125 Million AAV
Travis Kelce sits at the top of the highest-paid tight ends in the NFL list for the first time in his career. The Kansas City Chiefs superstar signed a two-year, $34.25 million extension in 2023, which includes $17 million in guaranteed money. At 35 years old, Kelce is still one of the top tight ends in the league and continues to play a crucial role in the Chiefs’ high-powered offense. His ability to produce in clutch moments, especially in the postseason, has helped the Chiefs win back-to-back Super Bowls, making his contract extension a no-brainer for the franchise.
Through 9 games in the 2024 season, Kelce has already posted 97 catches for 823 yards and 3 touchdowns. His 8.5 yards per reception and 133 targets show that he remains Patrick Mahomes’ most trusted target. Even as he gets older, Kelce performs at an elite level, and his contract reflects that. As long as he stays healthy, there’s no reason to think that Kelce won’t remain one of the NFL’s top tight ends for the upcoming years.
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