GLENDALE — NFL rosters rarely carry four tight ends. The Arizona Cardinals just made that choice, and it signals something important about how Drew Petzing plans to run his offense.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Trey McBride, Tip Reiman, Elijah Higgins and Travis Vokolek all survived final roster cuts, while skill players like wide receiver Simi Fehoko and running back Michael Carter were let go. That decision shows a commitment to size, versatility and a throwback brand of football.
Dec 28, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) celebrates as he is congratulated by tight end Tip Reiman (87) after a touchdown in the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
How the extra tight end will help the Cardinals offense:
The additional tight end could mean that offensive coordinator Drew Petzing would want to run more 13 personnel with his offense. Having three tight ends in one play would have eight possible blockers for the running back. The formation is more old school, but does fit the team’s offensive philosophy of a hardnose rushing attack with backs like James Conner and Trey Benson.
The trio of McBride, Reiman and Vokolek have an average height of 6’5 and weight of around 260 pounds. Adding three capable blockers onto an offensive line that was one of the best running offenses in league will do wonders.
Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek (81) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Arizona wide receiver is top heavy, with a hard drop off in quality after Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson. Running 13 personnel would only have one of Harrison or Wilson on the field, which could work to get them in a one-on-one opportunity.
Running plays with three tight ends will do wonders for play action. The defense will be fully focused on stopping the run by loading eight in the box, it could open the door for play action with Harrison running a go-route on a one-on-one or McBride on a cross when the defense collapses.
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Tip Reiman (87) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Cardinals were second in 13 personnel usage rate last season at 14.48%, behind only the Pittsburgh Steelers. The percentage will likely go up, with the team trying to hone in on their strengths as it tries to make a playoff push for the first time since 2021.
Cardinals re-sign 13 players to practice squad, headlined by Simi Fehoko and Michael Carter
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
