In a significant move that solidifies their offensive core for the foreseeable future, the Arizona Cardinals have agreed to terms with tight end Trey McBride on a four-year, $76 million contract extension. The deal, which averages $19 million per year, places McBride among the highest-paid tight ends in the NFL and signals Arizona’s firm belief in the 24-year-old as a foundational piece of their rebuilding efforts.
McBride, a second-round pick in the 2022
NFL Draft out of Colorado State, has steadily developed into one of the league’s most dynamic young tight ends. After a relatively quiet rookie season, McBride emerged as a top target in the Cardinals’ passing game in 2023, showcasing a unique blend of size, athleticism, and hands. He led all Cardinals receivers in receptions and receiving yards last season, becoming a go-to option for quarterback Kyler Murray.
McBride has become a consistent playmaker
Known for his ability to stretch the field and create mismatches against linebackers and safeties, McBride has become a consistent playmaker. His blocking has also improved significantly, allowing him to stay on the field in both passing and running situations—something that’s crucial in head coach Jonathan Gannon’s evolving offense.
“This is a big day for our organization,”
Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort said in a statement. “Trey embodies everything we’re building here—toughness, versatility, leadership, and an elite work ethic. He’s only scratched the surface of what he can do in this league.”
The extension includes $48 million in guaranteed money, according to sources familiar with the deal, giving McBride financial security while allowing the Cardinals to maintain some cap flexibility moving forward. With the tight end market continuing to rise, the Cardinals were proactive in locking up one of their most promising young stars before his value could climb even higher.
McBride, for his part, expressed excitement and gratitude over the new deal. “This team believed in me from Day One, and I’m incredibly thankful to the Cardinals organization for giving me this opportunity,” he said. “I love Arizona, I love my teammates, and I’m fired up to keep building something special here.”
The Cardinals’ investment in McBride also sends a message about the direction of the franchise. With Kyler Murray returning to full health and a top draft pick in hand, Arizona is positioning itself as a team on the rise. Keeping core players like McBride under contract is a crucial step in that process.
Now, with one of the NFL’s most promising tight ends locked in for the long haul, the Cardinals have taken a major step toward building a consistent, competitive offense. For McBride, the deal is both a reward for past performance and a vote of confidence in his future—one that Cardinals fans hope will be filled with touchdowns, big plays, and, ultimately, wins.