The NFL salary market is always changing, as it resets every time a new deal is signed. That is great news for the players, who know that every time a contemporary at their respective position raises the bar, it gives them a better chance to go over it when it’s time for their new deal.
For example, this offseason, Cleveland’s Denzel Ward became the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL when he signed his latest contract extension. That status lasted less than a month, as Devon Witherspoon of the Seattle Seahawks surpassed him, and Christian Gonzalez of the New England Patriots then overtook Witherspoon.
As a third-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. is eligible for an extension sooner than he would have been as a first-round choice. Based on recent activity on the tight end market, Fannin is in line for a huge payday after next season.
On Saturday, Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft got a four-year, $75 million deal, leading insider Zac Jackson of The Athletic to make a cheeky comment about Fannin’s potential future contract.
“Harold Fannin will be able to afford parking in Brook Park,” Jackson posted, referencing the Browns’ new stadium.
Harold Fannin will be able to afford parking in Brook Park. https://t.co/w93dkx4qvG
— Zac Jackson (@AkronJackson) September 12, 2026
Kraft is now the third-highest-paid tight end in the NFL, behind George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers and Trent McBride of the Arizona Cardinals. In addition, Brock Bowers of the Las Vegas Raiders is likely to reset the market when he is eligible for an extension after this season.
While Fannin’s production is not to the level of those players, he still has plenty of room to grow. He led the Browns in receptions, yards, and touchdown catches as a rookie, and has two more years to enhance his credentials.
By way of comparison, Kraft has never had more than 50 catches or 710 yards in his three seasons, even though he was on pace to surpass those levels before suffering a season-ending knee injury last year. Fannin already has a 72-reception, 731-yard season to his name.
With so much young talent, the Browns are unlikely to be able to play all of those players at the top of the market, but that doesn’t mean Fannin won’t get a huge deal when his time comes.
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