Trey McBride, the Arizona Cardinals’ star tight end, has agreed to a four-year contract deal.

The Arizona Cardinals have taken a major step toward solidifying their offensive core, locking in star tight end Trey McBride with a four-year contract extension. This move signals not just the franchise’s commitment to a player on the rise but also a belief that McBride is ready to take on a leadership role as the Cardinals transition into a new era under head coach Jonathan Gannon.

Selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Colorado State, Trey McBride arrived in Arizona with high expectations. As the first tight end off the board that year, McBride was touted for his combination of size, athleticism, and blocking ability. But it was in 2023 that McBride truly exploded onto the scene, establishing himself as one of the NFL’s most productive tight ends in just his second season.

With veteran Zach Ertz sidelined for much of the year due to injury, McBride seized the opportunity, finishing with 81 receptions for 825 yards and 3 touchdowns. Those numbers placed him among the top five tight ends in receptions and yards, and he became quarterback Kyler Murray’s go-to target on third downs.

Now, with Ertz officially moved on and the Cardinals fully embracing a youth movement, McBride is the undisputed TE1 and a centerpiece of their offensive strategy moving forward.

Though the Cardinals did not publicly disclose full financial details, sources close to the situation report that McBride’s new four-year extension is worth approximately $52 million, with $30 million guaranteed. That would place him near the top tier of tight end contracts in the league, right behind names like George Kittle, Mark Andrews, and T.J. Hockenson.

The deal ensures McBride remains under team control through the 2029 season, combining the remaining years on his rookie contract with the newly signed extension. For Arizona, this move provides both financial clarity and a foundational piece for the franchise’s rebuild. For McBride, it delivers the long-term security every player hopes to earn.

The Cardinals have undergone significant changes over the last two seasons, from front office reshuffles to head coaching turnover and roster overhaul. Jonathan Gannon, a defensive-minded coach who took the reins in 2023, has emphasized discipline, player development, and long-term culture-building.

McBride fits that mold perfectly.

“Trey is everything we want in a Cardinal,” Gannon said during the press conference announcing the deal. “He works, he leads, and he performs. He’s still growing as a player, but his commitment to the team and his toughness are second to none. We’re proud to have him locked in for years to come.”

Kyler Murray, who returned from an ACL injury late in 2023, also expressed excitement about McBride’s extension. “Having a guy like Trey—dependable, smart, and always where he’s supposed to be—makes my job a lot easier. He’s a weapon and a teammate I trust.”

Modern NFL offenses demand versatility, and McBride brings a rare blend of skills that allows Arizona to run a diverse playbook. At 6-foot-4, 246 pounds, McBride is big enough to handle in-line blocking assignments against edge rushers and linebackers. Yet, he’s agile and fast enough to line up in the slot or split wide, presenting mismatches against defensive backs.

His route running has sharpened considerably since his rookie season, and his hands are among the most reliable on the team. McBride’s 75% catch rate in 2023 reflects not just scheme usage but personal development and chemistry with multiple quarterbacks.

Perhaps most impressively, McBride has taken major strides as a blocker—a critical asset for a team that wants to commit to the run game. Arizona’s rushing attack showed promise late last season, and McBride’s edge-sealing blocks were frequently a part of those explosive plays.

For the Cardinals, committing to McBride is about more than just numbers. It’s about identity. With wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown departing in free agency and questions swirling about the future of the receiving corps, Arizona’s front office sees McBride as a cultural tone-setter.

Monti Ossenfort, the team’s general manager, emphasized that point: “We’re building something here. And building it the right way means rewarding the guys who do things the right way—on and off the field. Trey’s earned this.”

Ossenfort also hinted that McBride’s extension could pave the way for more long-term deals with other young contributors on the roster, such as offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. and safety Jalen Thompson.

With the 2024 NFL Draft bringing in even more talent—highlighted by top pick Marvin Harrison Jr.—Arizona hopes to construct a roster that can grow together and contend in the highly competitive NFC West within the next two years.

McBride’s production increase from Year 1 to Year 2 was staggering. In 2022, he managed just 29 catches for 265 yards and 1 touchdown as a rookie. But in 2023, he nearly tripled his receptions and yardage, and his yards-after-catch (YAC) ability ranked him top-10 among tight ends.

Advanced metrics from Pro Football Focus (PFF) rated him as the sixth-best overall tight end in 2023, with a grade of 82.3. His blocking grade also improved by over 10 points year-over-year, showing his commitment to becoming a complete player.

Even in a struggling Cardinals offense that ranked 25th in scoring and saw three different quarterbacks take snaps, McBride was a consistent performer. That consistency—paired with leadership and youth—is what made him an obvious extension candidate.

While much has been made about the future of Kyler Murray in Arizona, the McBride deal could offer a glimpse into the team’s intentions. Surrounding Murray with reliable, smart playmakers is essential, and McBride’s extension provides a stabilizing presence in the middle of the field.

The addition of Marvin Harrison Jr. on the outside, combined with McBride at tight end, gives Murray two elite-level pass catchers who excel in different areas. That combination could help open up the field and make life easier for Arizona’s franchise quarterback.

McBride’s chemistry with Murray was apparent late in 2023, especially on broken plays where his awareness and soft hands provided a reliable outlet. With a full offseason together, that rapport is only expected to grow.

McBride’s contract will undoubtedly influence the broader tight end market. With veterans like George Kittle and Travis Kelce approaching the latter stages of their careers, the next generation—headlined by McBride, T.J. Hockenson, Kyle Pitts, and Pat Freiermuth—will define the position moving forward.

McBride’s deal might not break records, but it sets a high bar for second-contract tight ends who prove themselves early. It also reflects a growing NFL trend: tight ends are no longer just security blankets. They’re offensive focal points.

The NFL community largely applauded the deal, with analysts noting that McBride’s growth trajectory warranted the early extension.

“Smart move by Arizona,” said ESPN’s Field Yates. “You don’t wait on guys like McBride. He’s already a top-five tight end, and he hasn’t hit his ceiling yet.”

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport echoed the sentiment, tweeting, “Trey McBride was a bright spot in a tough year for Arizona. Now he gets rewarded—and deservedly so.”

Even opponents gave respect. “He’s a problem,” said 49ers linebacker Fred Warner. “Tough, smart, plays hard. You don’t see many guys at that position do it all like he does.”

With McBride’s extension done, Arizona turns its attention to integrating a promising rookie class, continuing to build chemistry between Murray and the new-look offense, and further strengthening the offensive line.

There’s also a question about whether the Cardinals could add another veteran wide receiver or running back to bolster depth. But the McBride deal confirms one thing: the Cardinals are betting on their youth—and they’re building around players who fit their vision of sustained success.

Trey McBride’s four-year extension is more than just a contract—it’s a cornerstone moment for the Arizona Cardinals. It represents faith in a player who has earned every yard, catch, and accolade. It symbolizes the team’s commitment to building something lasting and homegrown. And it shows that amid change, there’s a clear direction: forward.

With McBride locked in, Arizona has its tight end of the present—and the future.