Cardinals make Trey McBride highest-paid TE in NFL history with reported 4-year, $76 million extension

McBride has spent his entire career with the Cardinals. The tight end was drafted by Arizona out of Colorado State in 2022, with the team selecting him in the second round as their first pick of that draft.

Advertisement

After two solid years, McBride had a breakout season in 2024. He caught 111 passes for 1,146 yards, both career highs, and picked up two touchdowns.

McBride led the team in receptions and yards, and started in all 16 regular-season games that he played in. The 25-year-old was given his first Pro Bowl nod this year as a result of his performance.

With the new contract, McBride will average $19 million per year, out-earning some of the top tight ends in the league. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who previously was the highest earner in the position, earns around $17.1 million per year under the deal he signed last April.

Advertisement

Other top-paid tight ends include Minnesota Vikings’ T.J. Hockenson ($16.5 million per year) and San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle ($15 million per year), per Over the Cap. New York Giants tight end Darren Waller, who earned $17 million per year under his contract, was also high on that list until his retirement last summer.