Trey McBride, the talented tight end for the Arizona Cardinals, stands on the brink of a promising contract extension after completing a remarkable season. As the first Cardinals tight end to earn a Pro Bowl selection since Hall of Famer Jackie Smith in 1970, McBride has left an indelible mark on the franchise. With the Arizona Cardinals preparing to utilize their $70 million cap space strategically, securing McBride’s long-term future with the team appears to be a priority.
McBride's 2024 season was nothing short of extraordinary. He finished with the second-most receptions and receiving yards among all tight ends, demonstrating his prowess across multiple levels of play. His ability to excel on the first, second, and third levels of defense has made him a formidable opponent. This skill set enabled him to break his own franchise record for receptions in a season, placing him second only to any receiver in franchise history.
Having been drafted as a second-round pick in 2022, McBride is now eligible for an extension after completing his third NFL season. His consistent performance has solidified his standing as one of the top players in his position. Since entering the league, he has amassed the fourth-most receptions and yards among tight ends, further cementing his value to the Cardinals.
The Arizona Cardinals have significant cap space available, offering them flexibility in negotiations. The current landscape of tight end contracts shows that all top 10 deals by average annual value were signed post-2020. Notably, Travis Kelce's two-year agreement, valued at $34.25 million, leads the pack. Any deal for McBride will likely align with these figures, considering that all four-year contracts for tight ends are worth at least $48.4 million.
General Manager Monti Ossenfort has expressed a clear intention to retain McBride, stating:
"Certainly a guy we would love to extend." – Monti Ossenfort
This sentiment underscores McBride's importance to the team and aligns with Ossenfort's strategic vision for the Cardinals' future.
Head Coach Jonathan Gannon has also praised McBride's potential for growth:
"The mental part of the game, I think he can take strides, which we've talked about. In the physical part of the game, I think he can take strides. He's got a lot of good ball in him left so glad we have him. Obviously, he's a premier player for us, and I'm excited about moving forward." – Jonathan Gannon
These endorsements from the team's leadership highlight McBride's integral role in the Cardinals' plans.
While discussions of his extension are underway, McBride remains focused on his personal development and recovery during the offseason. He remarked:
"That stuff will kind of take care of itself when the time comes for that," McBride said, "but, right now, I'm just focused on the next day and what I can do to get healthy going into this offseason." – Trey McBride
His pragmatic approach emphasizes his commitment to continuous improvement, which has been a hallmark of his career thus far.
Leave a Reply