Trey McBride’s record deal: Highest-Paid Tight End in NFL history, but is he the best in the league?

In a seismic move that’s sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Arizona Cardinals have locked up their star tight end, Trey McBride, with a four-year, $76 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid tight end in league history. The deal, announced on April 3, 2025, boasts an average annual value (AAV) of $19 million and includes $43 million in guaranteed money — numbers that eclipse the previous benchmarks set by Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce ($17.1 million AAV) and Minnesota Vikings’ T.J. Hockenson ($40.2 million guaranteed four-year deal).

At just 25 years old, McBride’s meteoric rise has culminated in a payday that reflects his value as a centre piece to the Cardinals’ offense. But the question buzzing around the league is: does this contract make him the best tight end in the NFL, surpassing the likes of his peers?

The Deal That Rewrote the Record Books

McBride’s extension is a testament to his rapid ascent in the NFL. Drafted in the second round (55th overall) out of Colorado State in 2022, he started as a backup to Zach Ertz, showing flashes of potential in a limited role. His breakout came in 2023, when he stepped into the spotlight with 81 receptions for 825 yards after Ertz’s injury. Then, in 2024, McBride erupted for a Pro Bowl season, hauling in 111 catches for 1,146 yards — numbers that ranked him second among tight ends in both categories, trailing only Las Vegas Raiders rookie sensation Brock Bowers (112 receptions, 1,194 yards). His 221 career receptions through three seasons are the most ever for a tight end in that span, and is a testament to the growing relationship he has with Kyler Murray, which has become one of the most reliable in the NFL today.

The Cardinals didn’t hesitate to reward their young cornerstone. “Trey’s a guy that does everything the right way,” a team source told The Athletic. “He’s a good leader for us on and off the field, he works, he prepares, and he produces.” With $43 million guaranteed, McBride’s deal not only tops Kelce’s AAV but also Hockenson’s guaranteed money, setting a new financial standard at the position. Murray was quick to celebrate, posting on social media, “Maaaaan! So happy for my dawg, worth every penny!” It’s clear the Cardinals see McBride as a pivotal piece alongside Murray and rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. as they build toward contention.

The Numbers: McBride’s Case as an Elite Talent

Statistically, McBride’s 2024 season was a revelation. His 111 receptions were the fourth-most in the NFL, and his 1,146 yards ranked 11th league-wide — remarkable for a tight end. He led all tight ends in targets per route run (30.0%), team target share (29.6%), and receiving first downs (63), while finishing second in receiving yards, receptions, and targets (148). His 513 yards after the catch also ranked third at the position. For a Cardinals offense that’s leaned heavily on Murray’s arm, McBride has emerged as a reliable safety valve and a big-play threat.

Yet, his touchdown production—six in 49 career games, including just two in 2024 — lags behind his peers. Kelce, Kittle, and Hockenson have consistently found the end zone at a higher rate, raising questions about McBride’s ability to finish drives. Still, at 25, he’s younger than Kelce (35), Kittle (31), and Hockenson (27), suggesting his prime years are ahead. His trajectory points to a player who’s only scratching the surface of his potential.

Stacking Up Against the Best

So, is McBride the best tight end in the NFL right now? Let’s break it down against some the titans currently at the position:

• Travis Kelce (Chiefs): Kelce’s $17.1 million AAV was the gold standard until McBride’s deal. At 35, he remains Patrick Mahomes’ go-to weapon, with three Super Bowl rings and a knack for clutch performances. In 2024, he didn’t match McBride’s raw volume (Kelce’s stats aren’t specified here, but historically he’s hovered around 90-100 catches and 1,000+ yards in peak seasons), but his 14 touchdown catches in 2022-23 underscore his red-zone dominance. Kelce’s resume—consistency, postseason heroics, and chemistry with Mahomes—keeps him in the conversation as the NFL’s top tight end, even if his athletic prime is waning.
• George Kittle (49ers): Kittle, at $15 million AAV, is widely regarded as the league’s most complete tight end. His blocking prowess sets him apart—something McBride hasn’t yet matched—while his receiving stats remain elite. Since 2022, Kittle’s 2,891 yards trail only Kelce (3,145) among tight ends, and his yards-per-route-run efficiency has been tops at the position over the past two seasons. At 31, Kittle’s physicality and versatility still make him a nightmare for defenses, though injuries have occasionally slowed him.
• T.J. Hockenson (Vikings): Hockenson’s $16.5 million AAV reflects his value as a dual-threat tight end. Before a knee injury sidelined him in late 2023, he was on pace for a career year, and his 2,329 yards since 2022 rank fourth among tight ends. At 27, he’s closer to McBride’s age than Kelce or Kittle, but his all-around game—solid blocking and reliable hands—gives him an edge in versatility. His return in 2025 will be a key test of his standing.

The Verdict: Highest-Paid, and Close to the Top

McBride’s contract is a bet on his future as much as a reward for his present. His 2024 season was phenomenal, as he has been for the past few years now, and his youth suggests he could dominate for years to come. Kelce’s postseason pedigree and red-zone reliability, Kittle’s all-around excellence, and Hockenson’s balanced skill set still give them an edge in the pecking order. McBride’s touchdown drought is a glaring caveat; until he proves he can consistently cap drives with six points, he’s a tier below the elite trio.

That said, the gap is narrowing. McBride’s deal resets the market. Kittle, in particular, may soon reclaim the AAV crown with an extension of his own, but this deal signals the rise of a new generation at the position, with Brock Bowers likely to make an even bigger claim to the TE crown in his second year as a pro.

For now, McBride is the highest-paid tight end in NFL history, a well-deserved accolade for a breakout star. Whether he’s the best? That’s a title he’ll need to wrestle from Kelce, Kittle, and Hockenson on the field, not just in the bank.