BREAKING NEWS: Tight End Trey McBride Signs Record Four-Year, $76 Million Contract Extension with the Arizona Cardinals
In a landmark move, the Arizona Cardinals have locked up their dynamic young tight end, Trey McBride, for the foreseeable future. The team announced today that McBride has signed a four-year contract extension worth $76 million, making him the highest-paid tight end in NFL history. This deal secures McBride’s place in the Cardinals’ offense through the 2029 season, reinforcing the team’s commitment to building around one of its most promising stars.
The extension comes on the heels of an impressive 2024 season for McBride, where he emerged as one of the premier tight ends in the league. The 2023 second-round draft pick has been a key contributor to the Cardinals’ passing game, finishing the year with career highs in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. McBride’s ability to stretch the field, make contested catches, and serve as a reliable red-zone target has made him one of quarterback Kyler Murray’s most trusted weapons.
“I am incredibly excited to continue my career with the Arizona Cardinals,” McBride said in a statement following the announcement. “This organization has supported me from day one, and I’m proud to be a part of its future. We’ve got a great group of guys, and I’m looking forward to helping us take the next step towards winning championships.”
McBride’s signing is a major win for general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon, who have been focused on building a strong core of young talent as they look to return the Cardinals to the playoff picture. The deal signals the team’s long-term vision and commitment to the tight end position, which has often been overlooked in recent years in Arizona.
The financial terms of McBride’s extension make him the highest-paid tight end in the league, surpassing the previous record set by Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs. The contract is front-loaded, with significant signing bonuses and guaranteed money that reflect McBride’s growing stature in the NFL. Sources close to the deal say that the contract includes $44 million in guaranteed money, ensuring that McBride will remain a central part of the Cardinals’ offense for the duration of the contract.
This extension also highlights the changing landscape of tight end contracts in the NFL, with more teams recognizing the position’s importance as a versatile weapon in both the passing and blocking game. McBride’s contract comes at a time when more teams are looking to invest heavily in young, athletic tight ends who can stretch the field and contribute in multiple facets of the game.
The deal is also a sign of confidence in McBride’s long-term development. The 2025 season will be just his third in the NFL, and many around the league believe that his best years are still ahead of him. With his size, speed, and exceptional route-running ability, McBride has the tools to become one of the league’s most dominant tight ends.
The Cardinals’ offense, which has gone through significant changes in recent seasons, will now feature a star tight end in McBride, along with a rejuvenated receiving corps and an improving offensive line. With McBride locked in, the Cardinals are looking to build around their core of young stars, including quarterback Kyler Murray, to create a dynamic and explosive offense.
As McBride steps into the next phase of his career with the Arizona Cardinals, fans can expect to see a lot more of the talented tight end, who will likely be at the forefront of the team’s efforts to challenge for the NFC West title and beyond in the years to come. This deal not only cements McBride’s place in Arizona’s future but also marks a significant moment in the franchise’s rebuilding process.