George Kittle is undoubtedly going to become the highest-paid tight end in the NFL when he signs his next contract, but will he succeed in landing a deal that pays him more like a wide receiver? It seems like things are headed in that direction.
Matt Barrows of The Athletic cited “someone in the know” who believes Kittle’s next contract will be worth somewhere around $13 million per year. Austin Hooper is currently the highest-paid tight end on a multi-year deal, and his salary is $10.5 million. Kittle is likely to get significantly more than that.
If Kittle were to land a deal worth $13 million per year, that would place him in line with some of the top wide receivers in the NFL. TY Hilton and Alshon Jeffery currently both make $13 million per year, while Davante Adams, Stefon Diggs and Allen Robinson are in the $14 million range.
Kittle’s agent has already said he doesn’t care about the tight end market, as he believes his client’s production warrants being paid like a wide receiver. Kittle caught 85 passes for 1,053 yards and five touchdowns in 2019 last season and was a Pro Bowler and All Pro.
The one thing that may work against Kittle is that his contract is set to expire after the 2020 season. Because of the impact from the coronavirus, the salary cap could actually be lowered in the NFL in 2021. That could prevent Kittle and others from getting the type of money they would have in previous years.
