The Cardinals aren’t shopping Trey McBride, but the star tight end’s long-term future is the kind of thing that can suddenly start buzzing around the league if Arizona can’t get its house in order.
That’s the basic read from CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell, who recently looked at NFL stars who could wind up wanting a fresh start down the road. In McBride’s case, the equation is pretty straightforward: if the Cardinals solve quarterback and find their franchise answer, he probably stays put. If they don’t, the conversation gets a lot more complicated.
McBride has already put himself in the conversation as one of the NFL’s most dangerous pass catchers, no matter the position. In 2025, he piled up 126 receptions, good for second in the league, and added 1,239 receiving yards along with 11 touchdowns.
The problem is that production didn’t lift Arizona very far. The Cardinals finished 3-14 in a loaded NFC West that had three 12-win teams.
Podell’s point is that Arizona still has time to avoid letting things spiral. McBride is under contract through the 2027 season after signing a four-year, $76 million extension, which gives the Cardinals a runway to fix the quarterback situation before frustration builds. Podell even suggested that landing a top quarterback prospect in the 2027 NFL Draft could be enough to keep McBride anchored in Arizona.
For Tampa Bay, there’s no urgent need here after extending Cade Otton. But elite tight ends always draw attention, and McBride fits that bill. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has shown he’s willing to use multiple tight ends, and a player with McBride’s receiving chops and matchup value would slot into just about any offense.
None of that means Arizona is ready to move him, and there’s no sign McBride is about to ask out. Still, if the Cardinals keep sliding over the next two seasons, his future will be one of the more interesting storylines in the league - and teams like the Buccaneers would surely be watching.
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