The Arizona Cardinals have secured one of their stars for multiple seasons by signing tight end Trey McBride to a lucrative four-year extension. This deal makes the 25-year-old the highest-paid tight end in NFL history, naturally drawing comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs superstar Travis Kelce.
Kelce is a historic reference for all tight ends in the league. Earlier this year, his uncertainty about continuing his career or retiring dominated the headlines for several days. He will remain on the field for the Chiefs during the 2025 NFL season, but no longer as the highest-paid player at his position.
Compared to the Chiefs, the Cardinals had a forgettable last season, failing to come close to a playoff spot. This massive extension for McBride raises the question of whether a young tight end should earn more than a three-time Super Bowl champion like Kelce.
How much does McBride earn compared to Kelce?
It is clear that with this extension, the Cardinals’ tight end is earning more than Kelce, but the question is how much greater his deal is. According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, McBride signed a four-year, $76 million contract, which includes $43 million guaranteed and an average annual salary of $19 million, surpassing the Chiefs star by $2 million.
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during a practice ahead of Super Bowl LIX at Tulane University’s Yulman Stadium on February 05, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Kelce signed a two-year, $34.25 million contract extension in April 2024, with $17 million guaranteed for that season. This deal made him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL in terms of average annual salary until now.
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Kelce’s contract in 2025
Kelce, at 35 years old, still has plenty to offer, but his next contract will come with new factors to consider. The Chiefs star has a base salary of $4.5 million for 2025, along with a $12.5 million roster bonus and a $250,000 workout bonus.
