Coming off of an impressive season after becoming the starter, Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride has worked hard in the offseason and training camp to be ready for 2024.
Ready for encore performance, excited for new season
The Colorado native started 12 of 17 games he played last year, his stats skyrocketed as he was able to collect 865 yards from 81 receptions and scored three touchdowns. Instantly becoming Kyler Murray’s right-hand man once multiple injuries plagued the Cardinals, McBride shined and looks to build on it going forward.
Getting used to his surroundings and understanding what offensive coordinator Drew Petzing wants from him, McBride is heading into his third year in the league confidently.
“I feel more comfortable in this offense being here with Drew,” McBride told reporters on Thursday. “Knowing what to do, what the tight ends are expected to do. I feel very confident also coming into this season knowing that I am going to be the first guy on the depth chart, it eases my mind. Makes me want to work harder, makes me want to keep that job but at the same time, it gives me a little bit of freedom to go out there and just play.”
Jan 7, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) celebrates a touchdown catch against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Though he was only drafted in 2022, the 6-foot-4, 246-pounder is surrounded by young tight ends. McBride is 24 years old and is working along with Elijah Higgins (23), rookie Tip Reiman (22), Bernhard Seikovits (27), Sage Surratt (26), Travis Vokolek (26) and Blake Whiteheart (24) in the position room.
“I think it is great, we got a young room but I think everyone in there is working hard, everyone has their role,” McBride said about the tight end room. “I feel like we are really confident, we know exactly what we are doing and I put us up against any tight end room in the league. We are very confident, we are very good and the depth is really deep. I am excited with the room we got.”
For Reiman specifically, he was a third-round pick by the Cardinals in this year’s NFL Draft and looks to be an efficient blocker with the departure of Geoff Swaim. In 45 games (41 starts) for Illinois in college, Reiman recorded 420 yards from 41 catches and had five touchdowns.
“Tip’s been great, Tip’s been a great guy, he’s been a great person and wants to work hard, wants to learn, always asking me questions,” McBride said. “He’s been everything I can ask for, and I am excited to see him on the field and really start putting himself to use. He is a tough, physical blocker and I am excited to see him get going.”
The Cardinals will look to build on a 4-13 season in which Murray missed over half the season with an ACL injury. Now that Arizona’s starting quarterback is back to full health and the team upgrading through the draft and free agency, things are looking up for the NFL squad in Glendale.
Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) passes the ball to tight end Trey McBride (85) against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Putting his maximum amount of effort on the field every time he practices or plays, McBride has his eyes set on not just getting better as an individual but helping the Cardinals in any way he can.
“I am just going to continue to do my job every single day, continue to get better in every way I can and help this team win, “McBride said.
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