In an otherwise dreary season for the Arizona Cardinals, Trey McBride has been a highlight -- and a historic one, at that.
With his eighth reception in Sunday's 37-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, McBride set a new NFL single-season receptions record for a tight end. The Cardinals TE hauled in his 117th catch of the season in the fourth quarter for a 5-yard gain from Jacoby Brissett, eclipsing the previous record of 116 set by Zach Ertz in 2018 with the Philadelphia Eagles.
McBride finished the game with a team-high 10 receptions (119 on the year) for 76 yards and a touchdown, his 11th of the season.
McBride, despite playing for a last-place Cardinals squad, emerged in 2025 as the league's preeminent pass-catching tight end.
Sunday was McBride's eighth game this season with eight-plus catches. The 26-year-old is bound for his second Pro Bowl after recording his second straight 1,000-yard season. McBride's 11 scores this year have eclipsed his previous three-year career total (6).
McBride's 111 catches in 2024 were previously fourth all time, evidence that he's quickly become a historically brilliant tight end. His 119 catches and counting this year are tied for 20th all time with Isaac Bruce, Tyreek Hill (twice) and Amon-Ra St. Brown, regardless of position.
One massive boon for McBride this year has been his chemistry with Brissett, who took over mid-year for an injured Kyler Murray.
Just who will be quarterback for the Cards in 2026 is one of myriad major questions to be answered this offseason in Arizona. One quandary the franchise does not have is at tight end; it's got a record-setter lining up there.
