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Trey McBride

Trey McBride Player Profile

Summary

Drafted: Round 2, 55th overall (2022) by the Arizona Cardinals. ESPN.com
College: Colorado State.
Key college statistics & accolades: In 2021, McBride caught 90 passes for 1,121 yards, leading all FBS tight ends. Colorado State Athletics He won the John Mackey Award in 2021 as the nation’s top tight end. He was also named Mountain West Male Athlete of the Year. Colorado State Athletics
NFL / Pro: By 2024, McBride had a breakout season, catching 111 passes for 1,146 yards. StatMuse He was selected to his first Pro Bowl after that season. StatMuse In April 2025, he signed a four-year, $76 million extension, making him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL. Fox Sports
Character: Known for toughness, consistent work ethic, and being a reliable chain-moving receiver. He’s also praised for leadership and his tenacity in contested situations.

Strengths

  • Elite target volume / chain mover — McBride’s 111 receptions in 2024 show his ability to be a volume target. StatMuse

  • Reliable hands — Very dependable in short and intermediate zones; often trusted on third downs and “move the ball” situations.

  • Route participation & flexibility — Routes aren’t limited to just seams; he works underneath, over the middle, and contributes across a varied route tree.

  • Yards per route run efficiency — Generates strong efficiency; high target share and high participation make him valuable in route‑heavy play designs. (Fantasy analysts note his YPRR among tight ends.)

  • Durability & availability — Has shown ability to stay on the field; in 2024 he played full 16-game season. StatMuse

  • Strong situational production — His situational stats show he can produce from various field positions (per NFL situational splits). NFL.com

  • Improving contract reflects team trust — His big extension (to 2029) indicates the Cardinals view him as a cornerstone of their offense. Revenge of the Birds

Weaknesses

  • Red-zone / touchdown production — Despite high volume, his touchdown totals remain low. For example, in 2024 he had just 2 receiving TDs despite huge target volume. StatMuse

  • Primarily a receiving tight end; blocking is average — Not widely regarded as a dominant blocker; his value leans heavily on passing game contribution.

  • Not a big YAC (yards after catch) playmaker — While reliable, he’s less likely to turn short catches into explosive, broken‑tackle plays compared to more physically dominant tight ends.

  • Size concerns — At ~6'4", 246 lb (per ESPN) ESPN.com he’s not the biggest tight end, which could limit his effectiveness in power-blocking or in-line blocking vs big defenders.

Fit & Outlook

Trey McBride is a modern, high-volume receiving tight end who fits beautifully into a pass-heavy or balanced offense that values chain-moving production. He’s not just a red-zone threat; he’s someone to be targeted repeatedly across all phases of the field. With his contract locked in through 2029, the Cardinals clearly see him as a long-term focal point in their passing game — likely as a primary safety valve for their quarterback in third downs and intermediate zones. If he can continue to develop his red-zone instincts and maybe improve his blocking, he could become one of the most complete tight ends in the league. As is, he’s already among the most productive TEs in the NFL, and his volume-based role gives him a solid floor with high upside.