In the world of American football (NFL), the tight end (TE) position has long been undervalued compared to roles like quarterback or wide receiver. However, thanks to the brilliance and influence of two top stars, Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals and George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers, the tight end position is witnessing a revolution in contract values, opening up unprecedented financial opportunities for players in this role.
The Dawn of a New Era
Trey McBride, the young tight end for the Cardinals, and George Kittle, one of the NFL’s premier TEs, are not only redefining the tight end role on the field but also at the negotiating table. According to an article from NBC Sports, McBride expressed his delight that he and Kittle are helping to elevate contract values for players at their position.
Cardinals’ Trey McBride pulling for everyone to keep “jumping each other” in TE money after George Kittle surpasses himhttps://t.co/eDVzT8nrCO pic.twitter.com/7f311aRKHF
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) May 31, 2025
Specifically, in April 2025, the Arizona Cardinals signed McBride to a four-year, $76 million contract, making him the highest-paid tight end in NFL history at the time. Shortly after, George Kittle, not to be outdone, inked a new deal with the San Francisco 49ers worth $76.4 million over four years, surpassing McBride to reclaim the title of the highest-paid TE. These figures are not just personal milestones but evidence of a broader trend: tight ends are becoming more highly valued than ever before.
The Secret Goal: Elevating the Tight End’s Worth
Though not explicitly stated, McBride and Kittle seem to be pursuing a “secret goal” together—raising the value of the tight end position in the eyes of NFL teams and the league’s market. Historically, tight ends were often seen as supporting players, primarily tasked with blocking or catching short passes. However, both McBride and Kittle are game-changers, blending powerful blocking skills with exceptional receiving abilities, making them versatile weapons on the field.
McBride, with his standout performance in the 2024 season, has been rated as one of the NFL’s top tight ends. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he is among the most valuable TEs due to his ability to make explosive plays and his consistency in blocking. Meanwhile, Kittle has long been an icon at the TE position, known for his leadership, durability, and spectacular catches. The healthy competition between the two not only pushes them to excel but also sets a new standard for future TE contracts.
Ripple Effects for Other Tight Ends
The success of McBride and Kittle doesn’t just benefit them—it opens doors for other tight ends across the NFL. As teams begin to recognize the value of a versatile TE, players like Kyle Pitts of the Atlanta Falcons or Jake Ferguson of the Dallas Cowboys now have opportunities to negotiate larger contracts. For instance, the Falcons’ consideration of trading Kyle Pitts indicates that teams are increasingly willing to invest heavily in this position, thanks in part to the precedent set by McBride and Kittle.
Moreover, the rising contract values for tight ends reflect a shift in modern football strategy. Coaches are increasingly using TEs as strategic weapons in offensive plays, making the position more critical. This means tight ends are not only earning higher salaries but also gaining greater influence within their teams’ lineups.
A Bright Future for the Tight End Position
With McBride and Kittle leading the way, the tight end position is entering a new era where players are recognized not only for their talent but also for the economic value they bring. The massive contracts they’ve signed are not just well-deserved rewards for their individual efforts but also an incentive for other young TEs to strive for greatness. Looking ahead, players like Marvin Harrison Jr. or emerging talents are likely to continue benefiting from this trend as teams become more willing to invest heavily in a complete tight end.
Trey McBride and George Kittle, whether intentionally or not, have together written a new chapter for the tight end position in the NFL. Their “secret” goal is not just about elevating their own value but also about creating a lasting legacy, where every tight end has the chance to become “richer than ever”—both financially and in reputation.