The evolution of NFL players' pay continues to change season after season. With non-quarterback positions like pass rusher resetting the market at $40 million per season, which is what Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett received, there are more skill players questioning when the big contracts will come.
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One such player is current San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle. Kittle has been at the top of his game for multiple seasons, and he is viewed as the best tight end in the game, alongside Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce.
Though the tight end position has evolved into more of a pass-catching style, similar to the skills that both Kittle and Kelce have, but that is not where the position stops.
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Tight ends are often called on for blocking packages when it comes to plays, regardless of whether they are run or pass. Due to being an offensive position that can do it all, Kittle believes the NFL does not pay the position what it should get.
"The only way for the tight end market to continue to grow is if everybody's getting paid," Kittle told The Dan Patrick Show on Monday. "That's the only way to do it. You can't just have one guy do it and then it just sits for four years because then you're stuck and it's stagnant and no one's getting paid. We want everybody, I want everybody to have great seasons. I want everybody to have great games, just not against the 49ers. Throughout the rest of the season, they can play as well as they want to because I want guys to get paid, to keep bumping up that market so by the time that Brock Bowers is doing his contract in three years, he's going for over $20 million, which he will. That's just the whole point."
Kittle also delves into Tigh End University, which was started by Kittle, Kelce and Greg Olsen to help educate and elevate the position. The belief is that the three-day program can lead to a much more evolved player.
"When Tight End U started, I think the top of the market was 15 (million dollars), and now we're almost at 20," he said. "So we're continually growing it. As a tight end and as a position who does everything, yeah, I think we should be making more money, but we're working on it," Kittle added.
Right now, Kittle is making $19.1 million per season, which is the top of the position. Arizona Cardinals' Trey McBride is second with $19 million per season.
Below that is Kelce, who makes $17.125 million per season.
Kittle has a point that the tight end position has evolved to include catching, blocking, and so much more. If receivers are making $20 million per season and more, then a position that is responsible for that and blocking should theoretically make more.
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