The Arizona Cardinals are experiencing a golden age at the tight end position thanks to the emergence of Trey McBride. This article compares the tight end play across the NFC West, highlighting the strength of McBride and the Cardinals, while also analyzing the performances of other teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks.
The Arizona Cardinals are experiencing an unprecedented era in their franchise history, marked by the emergence of a star tight end. For the first time since relocating to Arizona, the Cardinals have witnessed elite production from their tight ends, primarily driven by the impressive performance of rising star Trey McBride. The NFC West boasts a history of strong tight end play, particularly from California teams.
In light of this, how does the division stack up at this increasingly crucial position?It's undeniable that George Kittle remains the best tight end in this division. The veteran, playing in his eighth season, participated in 15 games in 2024 and showed no signs of decline, securing 78 catches for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns. While depth behind Kittle is limited, the dominant force has been an integral part of the 49ers' offense since his arrival, recording four (and almost five) 1,000-yard seasons. There's always a possibility that age will eventually catch up with the 31-year-old, and he has encountered injuries in the past. However, when on the field, he has consistently displayed exceptional dominance. While the Cardinals have a strong chance to challenge San Francisco for the top spot in the coming years, for now, the veteran tight end remains at the pinnacle.The Cardinals have emerged as a formidable force at the tight end position, thanks to the arrival of Trey McBride. His breakthrough in 2023 raised eyebrows across the league, and now, McBride is firmly in the elite conversation, and rightfully so. The 25-year-old led all NFC tight ends in receptions with 111 in 2024, second only to Brock Bowers in the entire NFL. He also finished second among tight ends in receiving yards with 1,146 over 16 games, becoming Arizona's leading pass-catcher in both categories by a significant margin. McBride combines a large frame, sure hands, and a tenacious on-field demeanor with a propensity for hurdling defenders. He embodies the perfect blend of size, athleticism, and mental fortitude. Although he managed only two receiving touchdowns, with his first coming as late as Week 17, this is unlikely to be an issue in 2025. Furthermore, the Cardinals possess depth behind McBride. While Elijah Higgins may not possess the same caliber of playmaking ability, he has stepped in admirably during crucial downs or to spell McBride. Rookie Tip Reiman gained his first taste of NFL action but is primarily an elite blocking tight end rather than a passing threat. Regardless, McBride is poised to dominate the NFL for years to come and could soon dethrone Kittle as the best in the West.The Rams witnessed minimal production from their tight ends in 2024, but on paper, Tyler Higbee has a history of being a legitimate offensive weapon. He was sidelined for most of the 2024 season, managing only 66 receiving yards, but he enters a contract year and had been remarkably consistent in his production from 2019-2023. Time may eventually catch up with the 31-year-old, and his disappointing 2024 performance could signal a decline. However, when healthy and performing at his best, he remains a valuable asset to the Rams offense. Behind him, former Seattle Seahawk Colby Parkinson provides promising depth with potential for growth. The battle for third or fourth place between Los Angeles and Seattle is fiercely contested. While an argument could be made for the Rams to occupy the bottom spot, they currently boast a more complete unit with a slightly better history of success. Noah Fant's consistent performance doesn't elevate the tight end position to a prominent role in the Seahawks' offense. He is a solid blocker and dependable player but lacks the star power to lead the unit, and there is limited depth of actual production behind him. AJ Barner managed four touchdowns but only caught 30 passes for 245 yards. Seattle's offense didn't necessarily require the tight end group to step up, but for now, they possess the weakest overall tight end unit in the division, although they are not significantly trailing Los Angeles.
NFC West Trey Mcbride George Kittle Arizona Cardinals Tyler Higbee Noah Fant NFL Tight Ends
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