Trey McBride enters the 2026 NFL season as the Arizona Cardinals’ clear top receiving option following his record-setting 2025 campaign of 126 receptions, 1,239 yards, and 11 touchdowns—the most by any tight end in a single season. Jacoby Brissett, who fueled much of that volume with high pass attempts and a tendency to target tight ends, returns as the Week 1 starter under new playcaller Mike LaFleur’s West Coast scheme, which has highlighted McBride’s versatility and route-running. While wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson will compete for targets, McBride’s role as the primary short-area threat and No. 1 tight end on the depth chart supports sustained volume, though his exact reception total will hinge on team passing volume, offensive efficiency, and his own health across 17 games.