Cardinals Make Trey McBride Highest-Paid Tight End Ever With Huge Contract Extension

It appears Arizona isn't messing around.

Trey McBride watches Pro Bowl activities. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride had a breakthrough season in 2024—and his team appears ready to reward him accordingly.

The Cardinals and McBride have agreed on a four-year extension worth $76 million, according to a Thursday afternoon report from ESPN's Adam Schefter. Per Schefter, the deal's $19 million average annual value is the highest in NFL history for a tight end.

McBride, 25, is entering his fourth year with Arizona out of Colorado State.

The tight end has improved every year of his career as a pass-catcher. As a rookie, he averaged just 16.6 receiving yards per game; that number rose to 48.5 in 2023 and 71.6 in 2024.

Arizona Cardinals are making Pro-Bowl TE Trey McBride the highest-paid tight end in NFL history with a four-year, $76 million extension, per agents @MSWENSON78 @CJLaBoy @dhendrickson41 of @wassermannfl.

The deal includes $43 million guaranteed and a $19 million average per year,… pic.twitter.com/Gil0BQKxhq

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 3, 2025

McBride ended '24 in the Pro Bowl, having accumulated 1,146 receiving yards, 111 catches and two touchdowns.

Per Schefter, the contract will guarantee McBride $43 million.

The Cardinals are coming off an 8-9 season—a breath of fresh air after back-to-back 4-13 campaigns.

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