Cardinals won't regret TE Trey McBride's record-breaking extension

McBride will now make more money than more accomplished TEs like Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs and George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers. Still, Arizona won't regret giving the 25-year-old the colossal contract. 

The Colorado State product has improved since being drafted No. 55 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he had just 29 receptions in 16 games. The following season, that figure increased to 81 in 17 games. 

In 16 games in 2024, McBride finished fourth in the league in receptions (111) and 11th in receiving yards (1,146), earning his first Pro Bowl nod.

According to The 33rd Team, only five players had a higher EPA (expected points added) per target (+0.31) than McBride last season (min. 125 targets).

At the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon indicated he doesn't expect McBride to kick back after his career year. 

"He had a really good year, but he hasn't hit his ceiling," Gannon told the media at the combine. "He's working on different parts of his game, but he needs to keep doing what he's doing. He's not a one-trick pony." 

Although the Cardinals missed the playoffs in 2024, they could be on the upswing. Last season, they went 8-9 after consecutive 4-13 seasons. Keeping an ascending player in McBride could help Arizona stay on an upward trajectory.