GLENDALE – Arizona Cardinals made history by making sure its superstar tight end was well compensated. Trey McBride signed an extension with the franchise that was for four-year $76 million. The total money is the most for any tight end in NFL history, and the achievement gave McBride “happy tears.”
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Trey McBride talks to the media after the Arizona Cardinals made him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL during a news conference at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe on April 4, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
McBride spoke to reporters on Friday about the new contract and what he hopes to bring to Cardinals fans in the Red Sea.
McBride on the pressure about being the highest-paid TE:
“No pressure at all,” McBride said. “I had no pressure when I was on a rookie deal, and I don’t expect any pressure now. I’m just gonna continue to do what I’ve done. Continue to put the work in and everything really does take care of itself. You just do the right thing, work hard and everything will take care of itself.”
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) is flagged for offensive pass interference as he catches the ball against the New England Patriots at State Farm Stadium on Dec. 15, 2024. Syndication: Arizona Republic
The Pro-Bowler is coming off his best season yet, recording a career high in receiving yards with 1,146. He finished top two in catches, receiving yards, and targets for tight ends in the league. The fourth year Cardinal has become franchise quarterback Kyler Murray’s favorite target, rightfully earning him the contract.
A snag in his career year was his struggles in the redzone. McBride finished 2024 with only two touchdowns, with only one coming in the redzone. The 25-year-old had a 47.6% catch rate inside the 20, going 10-for-21. In the NFL, he is tied for the second most targeted tight end inside the 20, but is tied with four others for eighth in catches.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) reaches the ball over the goal line past Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard III (31) for a touchdown during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on Nov 3, 2024, in Glendale. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Opposing defenses tend to hound McBride in that part of the field because of Murray’s favoritism towards the stellar receiving threat. Regardless, as the highest paid tight end, McBride will need to become a more reliable redzone threat to warrant his highest-paid status.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
