As another weekend of the NFL offseason arrives, the Arizona Cardinals are just 85 days away from their first regular-season game in 2024 against the Buffalo Bills. The number 85 jersey belongs to tight end Trey McBride, who is considered one of the team’s best and most promising players in the NFL.
McBride has emerged as an impact player and one of the top tight ends in the league. Despite a rocky rookie season and limited involvement in the passing game at the start of last season, he had a breakout year with 81 receptions, 825 yards, and three touchdowns. His 81 catches set a new franchise record for receptions by a tight end, surpassing previous record holders Zach Ertz and Jackie Smith.
Starting with only 12 receptions in the first six games of the season, McBride’s performance picked up significantly. His 825 receiving yards were the second-highest for a tight end in franchise history. He also had two 100-yard receiving games, a feat that hadn’t been achieved by a Cardinals tight end since 1988.
McBride’s impressive season solidified his position as the team’s top tight end. If he maintains this level of play, he could go down as the best player to wear the No. 85 jersey for the Cardinals. Don’t miss the latest updates from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red, available on platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple podcasts.