A select number of positions have seen their respective markets surge over recent years in the NFL. The tight end spot is nowhere near as lucrative as certain others, but a spike could soon be coming.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler writes a number of notable tight end deals can be expected in the near future. This offseason has seen indications that could be the case, and a few extension cases will be worth watching closely. Fowler unsurprisingly names the Lions’ Sam LaPorta and the Packers’ Tucker Kraft as candidates for a lucrative second contract as early as this year.
Both players are pending 2027 free agents. LaPorta quickly emerged as a focal point in Detroit’s passing game, earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors as a rookie. The former second-rounder saw a reduction in production the following season and was limited to just nine games in 2025, though. Still, any LaPorta extension would bring about a considerable raise relative to the $2.04MM in cash he is due for the coming campaign.
Detroit’s financial outlook is of course complex when it comes to members of the 2022 draft class. LaPorta, but also first-rounders Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell as well as second-rounder Brian Branch, is in line for a new pact. Keeping all four members of that group while affording the big-money deals already on the books will be challenging for the Lions. Authorizing an extension would allow the team to keep one of the league’s top young tight ends in the fold but it would also likely lessen the chances of retaining Campbell and Branch in particular.
Kraft, like LaPorta, is 25. The South Dakota State product saw his offensive role increase across his first two years in Green Bay. Kraft then enjoyed a stellar start to the 2025 campaign, averaging over 61 yards per game and scoring six touchdowns in eight contests. An ACL tear ended his season, however. Kraft is on course to collect $1.51MM in 2025, but a long-term deal would be worth far more.
The Packers have had a young – and cost-effective – pass-catching group for the last few years in particular. That still includes a number of receivers on rookie deals (although investments have been made in Jayden Reed and Christian Watson) as well as tight end Luke Musgrave on his initial NFL pact. Green Bay could pursue an extension in Kraft’s case before he returns to action knowing a team-friendly figure could be easier to arrive at.
The tight end market currently consists of 13 multiyear contracts averaging between $10MM and $19.1MM annually. Kyle Pitts‘ franchise tag, meanwhile, checks in at just over $15MM. Last offseason, Trey McBride and the Cardinals agreed to a four-year, $76MM deal. Continued spikes in the salary cap should help the likes of LaPorta and Kraft secure similar (if not larger) deals, while Brock Bowers will position himself for a big-money extension as early as 2027 if his Raiders production continues next season.
As Fowler notes, an increased emphasis on using multiple tight ends has emerged around the league. Free agency saw Charlie Kolar, for instance, land $8.1MM in average annual value and $17MM guaranteed after he totaled just 30 catches in four Ravens seasons. Last month’s draft demonstrated how blocking tight ends were seen as highly valuable during the middle rounds. Provided that trend continues, depth contributors at the TE spot will continue to see raises while the top of the market reaches new heights.
Well yeah. That Kolar deal is a steal compared to using a top 50 pick on a block-first tight end.
Hoping Kraft gets done before the season.
The Lions sure are starting to have cap problems. Holmes was on fire for a few seasons. Great when it happens but you can’t pay everyone.
It would be great if they could keep LaPorta but they have previously gotten rid of T.J. Hockenson, so at least there’s a previous instance of them not paying a TE top-level money. Keep Gibbs and decide who’s important between Branch and Campbell (my preference in Campbell).
That would be a great move to give Kraft a huge bonus and sign him to a long term deal. The guy never misses a play or even a game. He is unreplacable to the MLF scheme. Please pay the man
You can’t pay QBs absurdly expensive salaries and not expect a waterfall effect . WRs were the first to declare they wanted a bigger slice of the pie but eventually players at every position will insist on more compensation.
The other problem the lions in particular have is that they have highly drafted all pros at non premier positions all over the place. When you have to sign market resetting salaries at QB EDGE RB SS FS LT TE ILB WR over a five year period it’s going to be problematic.
The Lions are in way worse shape than the Bears or Packers. In the Bears case that have not yet had to sign Mr 57% to a 70m AAV Contract. In the Packers case they have high dollar contracts at QB FS EDGE RT and RB. The last one will be gone for 2027. Replaced by WR and TE.
The irony is that when old man Ford was running the Lions, players would need a crowbar to pry a nickel out of his wallet…lol.
Cole Kmet will be a free agent after this season. Bears drafted Loveland with their first round pick in 2025, so doubtful they retain him. Think Kmet is the perfect fit for the Philadelphia Eagles offense, and what they like to do. Kmet blocks his butt off in the run game, works the middle of the field with good hands and finds ways to break loose and get open in the red zone. Savvy vet would create a solid TE duo with Eli Stowers, allowing the Eagles to play more 12 personnel.
Eagles aren’t paying a premium for a TE with a tons of guys getting paid: carter, mitchell, dejean. Kmet is solid not unique.
LaPorta is injury prone (constantly playing hurt in 23, major back surgery 25) and Kraft is coming off major knee surgery. Odd time to call this out.