The NFL's tight end (TE) market is set to experience a significant surge, with a select number of positions already seeing their respective markets soar over recent years. While the TE position is not as lucrative as certain others, a spike in salaries is expected, particularly for top performers. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler predicts a wave of notable TE deals in the near future, with an emphasis on players like Sam LaPorta of the Detroit Lions and Tucker Kraft of the Green Bay Packers.
LaPorta, a 2022 draft pick, quickly became a key player for the Lions, earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors in his rookie year. However, his production dipped in the following season due to injuries, limiting him to just nine games in 2025. Despite this, any extension for LaPorta would likely result in a substantial raise, given his current salary of $2.04MM for the upcoming campaign. The Lions' financial situation is complex, as they also need to manage deals for first-round picks Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell, as well as second-rounder Brian Branch. Keeping all four while affording big-money deals already on the books will be a challenge.
Kraft, also 25, saw his role increase in his first two years with the Packers, averaging over 61 yards per game and scoring six touchdowns in eight contests in 2025. An ACL tear ended his season, but he is set to collect $1.51MM in 2025. A long-term deal for Kraft would be highly valuable, given the Packers' history of cost-effective pass-catching groups, including receivers on rookie deals and tight end Luke Musgrave. The Packers might pursue an extension for Kraft before he returns to action, as a team-friendly figure could be easier to agree upon.
The current TE market is already seeing multiyear contracts averaging between $10MM and $19.1MM annually. Kyle Pitts' franchise tag is just over $15MM, and last offseason, Trey McBride agreed to a four-year, $76MM deal with the Arizona Cardinals. Continued salary cap increases should benefit players like LaPorta and Kraft, securing similar or larger deals. Additionally, Brock Bowers is poised for a big-money extension in 2027 if his production continues to impress.
Fowler highlights an emerging trend of increased emphasis on using multiple TEs around the league. Free agency saw Charlie Kolar land an impressive $8.1MM in average annual value and $17MM guaranteed, despite totaling just 30 catches in four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. The recent draft further emphasized the value of blocking TEs, with teams investing in this position during the middle rounds. This trend is likely to continue, leading to raises for depth contributors at the TE spot and pushing the top of the market to new heights.
