Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strangestepped into the full-time starting role in 2025 following the release of Pro Bowler Evan Engram and delivered promising results. He set career highs with 46 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns in 12 regular-season games, plus two receptions for nine yards in the Wild Card. Strange missed five games due to a quad and hip injury that included a ligament tear, which landed him on injured reserve in October.
He looks to pick up where he left off in his third season and carry the momentum into Year 4.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ star TE enters a contract year
Jacksonville Jaguars, Brenton Strange
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange (85) runs on the field before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Titans 41-7, capturing the AFC South title. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Brenton Strange enters the final year of his rookie deal and is scheduled to hit free agency, unless something happens contractually. Because he failed to average over 50% of snaps through the first three seasons as a former second-round pick, he does not qualify for Proven Performance Escalators. Instead, Strange is scheduled to earn a $1.48 million base salary, a $100,000 workout bonus, and a $1.94 million cap charge in 2026, per Over The Cap. Additionally, he is eligible to negotiate a new contract this offseason upon completion of his third regular season.
It would be logical to extend the standout tight end now rather than wait and have his market value skyrocket.
The Jaguars eye a new deal for 27-game starter
Jacksonville Jaguars, Brenton Strange
Indianapolis Colts linebacker E.J. Speed (45) tackles Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange (85) during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium.
During the NFL Annual League Meeting, James Gladstone provided an update on contract talks with multiple players entering contract years, including Brenton Strange, as reported by Michael DiRocco of ESPN. The general manager expressed optimism about extending the star tight end this offseason.
“The Jaguars have had preliminary discussions about contract extensions with defensive end Travon Walker, the No. 1 pick in 2022, tight end Brenton Strange and receiver Parker Washington. Strange and Washington are entering the final year of their rookie contracts. Strange set career highs in catches (46), receiving yards (540) and receiving TDs (three) in 2025,” DiRocco said.
“General manager James Gladstone is optimistic about the chances of extending them this offseason, saying the Jaguars are ‘probably within striking distance to see things come to light.'”
Also Read: “Within Striking Distance”: Jacksonville Jaguars Nearing Deal for Breakout Star
Here’s Spotrac’sprojected contract
Total Contract Length: 4 years
Average Per Year: $12 million
Total Contract Amount: $48 million
Rank Among Tight Ends: 12th