One of the biggest storylines surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of the regular season was whether they would extend tight end Brenton Strange in 2026. We know now the answer.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Media just broke the news that the Jags just gave Strange a three-year extension worth $48 million. The deal ensure the former Penn State Nittanny Lion remains in Duval through 2029.
The extension just came one day after fellow tight end Kyle Pitts signed a new three-year deal that pays him $54 million. Strange is now the fourth-highest paid tight end in the NFL, only behind Trey McBride (Arizona Cardinals), George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers), and Pitts.
Why the Jaguars are getting a bargain with Brenton Strange
Kyle Pitts raised the bar when he got a deal that pays him an average $18 millino per year. The question was whether Brenton Strange could get a contract in that range.
Granted, Pitts is a proven pass-catcher. He's already posted a 1,000-yard season and racked up more than 900 yards receiving last year. However, he isn't that great a blocker, unlike Strange.
And that's the thing, Strange's numbers don't pop off the stat sheet, but he offers much more than that to the Jacksonville offense.
A second-round pick in 2023, Strange had minimal production as a rookie, hauling in a measly five receptions for 35 yards. However, he saw an uptick in playing time the following year when Evan Engram missed time. The Jaguars saw enough of Strange and paved the way for him by releasing Engram in 2025.
Despite missing five games, Strange hauled in a career-best 46 receptions for 540 yards with three touchdowns in 2025. On top of that, he brought an element of grittiness to the Jaguars offense with his devastating blocking skills.
Why Brenton Strange is so valuable for the Jaguars
Brenton Strange won't put up monster numbers in Jacksonville because head coach Liam Coen likes to spread the ball. But that doesn't make him any less valuable. The fact that the Jags gave him a top-market contract just goes on to show how important he is.
Questions surfaced whether the Jaguars would extend Strange after drafting tight ends Nate Boerkircher and Tanner Koziol. Nobody would have batted an eye if the team's brass chose to wait and see how the 2026 season played out before extending Strange. Jacksonville didn't want to take a chance and got ahead to strike a deal.
Now, Brenton Strange can fully focus on preparing for the regular season without having to worry about his contract status. The Jaguars, for their part, can turn their attention to their other extension candidate, Parker Washington.
