Several tight ends in the NFL are centerpieces of the offense. Now, it's time they get paid like it. Guys such as George Kittle, Travis Kelce, Zach Ertz and Rob Gronkowski — before he sat out a year — are more productive than many wide receivers but make far less money.
The franchise tag for tight ends is $10.6 million. By comparison, it’s $17.9 million for wide receivers. Only running backs, at $10.3 million, have a lower number among non-specialists.
According to overthecap.com, 24 wide receivers have an average annual salary above $10 million while only two tight ends — Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper — make that much.