Trey McBride has quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic tight ends in the National Football League (NFL). As of the 2025 season, the Arizona Cardinals star has not only solidified his position as a key offensive weapon but also redefined what modern tight end performance metrics look like. From college standout at Colorado State to NFL breakout performer, McBride’s journey is marked by resilience, adaptability, and statistical excellence.
In short, Trey McBride’s 2025 stats reveal an athlete in his prime — consistently producing elite numbers across receptions, yards, and touchdowns, while ranking among the top three tight ends in the league for target share and yards after catch. This article dives deep into McBride’s career statistics, his 2025 performance trends, fantasy football relevance, and how his evolution is reshaping offensive play in the NFL.
Who Is Trey McBride?
Trey McBride, born on November 22, 1999, in Greeley, Colorado, is an American football tight end for the Arizona Cardinals. Drafted in the second round (55th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft, McBride became the first consensus All-American in Colorado State University history. Known for his combination of physical strength, route-running precision, and reliable hands, McBride’s development represents a new generation of hybrid tight ends — part receiver, part blocker, and full-time playmaker.
His NFL rise has been impressive. Initially overshadowed by veteran Zach Ertz, McBride broke out following Ertz’s injury in 2023, posting career-high receptions and becoming a consistent red-zone threat. Since then, his numbers have only trended upward.
Trey McBride’s Career Stats Overview
As of the end of the 2024 NFL season, McBride’s cumulative career stats were as follows (according to Pro Football Reference and ESPN data):
Games Played: 49
Receptions: 184
Receiving Yards: 1,923
Receiving Touchdowns: 11
Yards Per Reception: 10.4
Catch Rate: 73.1%
Entering the 2025 season, McBride ranked among the top five tight ends in receptions per game and yards per route run. He has become a reliable option for quarterback Kyler Murray, especially in short-to-mid passing ranges.
Trey McBride 2025 Season Stats (Through Week 8)
As of Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season, Trey McBride’s performance has been nothing short of exceptional. According to official NFL statistics and Next Gen Stats, his numbers include:
Receptions: 58
Targets: 72
Receiving Yards: 643
Touchdowns: 5
Yards Per Catch: 11.1
Yards After Catch (YAC): 278
Catch Percentage: 80.5%
Average Depth of Target (aDOT): 8.7 yards
These metrics place McBride third among all tight ends in receptions and second in total receiving yards behind Kansas City’s Travis Kelce. What’s notable is his efficiency — with a high catch rate and increased involvement in the Cardinals’ offensive playbook, McBride has transformed from a secondary target to a central offensive pillar.
How Trey McBride Has Transformed the Cardinals Offense
Increased Role in 2025
Under head coach Jonathan Gannon and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, the Cardinals have built their passing game around quick reads and tight end mismatches. McBride’s agility and route-running have allowed Arizona to deploy him flexibly — lining up as a traditional tight end, slot receiver, and even in motion pre-snap.
His chemistry with Kyler Murray has deepened. Murray has targeted McBride on 24% of his total pass attempts this season, a jump from 18% in 2024. In third-down and red-zone situations, McBride’s reliability has been unmatched — converting 72% of third-down targets into first downs.
Impact on Team Efficiency
According to PFF (Pro Football Focus), Arizona’s offensive efficiency rating with McBride on the field is 15% higher than without him. His ability to block effectively also improves run success rates, with Arizona averaging 4.8 yards per rush when he’s on the line.
This dual-threat nature makes him a rare commodity — a tight end who not only catches passes but also enhances the team’s overall offensive versatility.
Advanced Analytics: Breaking Down the Numbers
Catch Efficiency and Route Performance
Using Next Gen Stats data, McBride’s average separation per route in 2025 is 2.4 yards, ranking him among the top 10 tight ends. His drop rate of only 3.1% is among the lowest at his position.
His yards per route run (YPRR) is 2.09 — higher than George Kittle (1.95) and close to Travis Kelce (2.14). This illustrates his growing importance in generating consistent yardage per opportunity.
Yards After Catch (YAC)
McBride’s YAC average of 4.8 yards per reception demonstrates his strength in breaking tackles and gaining extra yardage. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, 43% of his total receiving yards this season have come after initial contact.
Red Zone Conversion Rate
Inside the 20-yard line, McBride has become Murray’s go-to option. His red zone catch rate is an impressive 83%, with five touchdowns from within the 15-yard mark. This makes him one of the most efficient red-zone tight ends in the NFL, surpassing players like Mark Andrews and Dallas Goedert in conversion percentage.
Trey McBride in Comparison: Where He Ranks Among NFL Tight Ends (2025)
When compared to other elite tight ends in 2025, McBride’s stats hold up impressively:
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns | Catch % | YPRR |
| Travis Kelce (KC) | 64 | 687 | 6 | 78% | 2.14 |
| Trey McBride (ARI) | 58 | 643 | 5 | 80% | 2.09 |
| George Kittle (SF) | 51 | 589 | 4 | 75% | 1.95 |
| Mark Andrews (BAL) | 48 | 540 | 5 | 74% | 1.88 |
McBride’s efficiency and consistent production have placed him firmly in the conversation as a top-tier tight end, particularly in fantasy football and advanced analytics rankings.
Real-Life Example: McBride’s Week 6 Performance Against the 49ers
In Week 6 of the 2025 season, McBride’s performance against San Francisco was one of his career bests. He recorded 9 receptions on 10 targets for 112 yards and a touchdown. His ability to exploit linebacker mismatches and find soft spots in zone coverage allowed Arizona to control time of possession and sustain long drives.
That game was emblematic of his season — technically precise routes, reliable hands, and a fearless approach after the catch.
Fantasy Football Implications and Tips
Fantasy managers in both PPR and standard leagues have seen McBride’s value skyrocket. Entering 2025 drafts, he was projected as a mid-tier TE1, but by midseason, he’s ranked among the top three fantasy tight ends in most formats.
Practical Tips for Fantasy Players
Start McBride weekly: His consistency in target share makes him a must-start in all formats.
Monitor red-zone trends: McBride’s increasing touchdown rate makes him especially valuable in non-PPR leagues.
Stack with Kyler Murray: In DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) formats, stacking McBride with Murray provides strong correlation value.
Buy low early: For managers in dynasty leagues, McBride remains a long-term asset due to his age and team reliance.
According to FantasyPros (2025), McBride averages 15.2 fantasy points per game, putting him just behind Kelce and ahead of Kittle.
How Trey McBride Represents the Modern Tight End Archetype
In an era where tight ends are expected to do more than block, McBride’s skill set embodies the modern NFL prototype. He blends physicality with finesse — capable of stretching the field vertically while also providing crucial blocking support in run-heavy sets.
His training regimen, often highlighted in team media, emphasizes speed agility drills and route precision. McBride’s footwork improvements have been particularly noticeable, allowing him to gain separation against both linebackers and safeties.
The Broader Impact: Cardinals’ Future Outlook
As Arizona continues to rebuild its offensive identity, McBride’s development will be key. With Marquise Brown and rookie wideout Malik Nabers drawing coverage, McBride’s presence in the middle field creates matchup nightmares.
If Arizona’s offensive line continues improving and Murray stays healthy, McBride could easily finish the season with over 1,000 yards — a rare achievement for tight ends in franchise history.
Expert Opinions and Media Coverage
NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah has described McBride as “the next breakout star at tight end,” while ESPN’s Mina Kimes praised his adaptability, stating, “He has the football IQ and skill set of a veteran, but the energy and versatility of a rookie.”
Pro Football Focus currently ranks McBride as the No. 2 graded tight end (89.4) in the NFL for the 2025 season — ahead of names like Kittle and Andrews in overall efficiency metrics.
Real-World Lessons from Trey McBride’s Growth
McBride’s rise isn’t just about stats. His career demonstrates how player development, patience, and opportunity can align perfectly. Rather than fading into the background behind a veteran, McBride seized his moment — proving that young athletes who stay prepared can redefine their role within a team.
His consistency and leadership have also inspired younger teammates, with Cardinals coaches citing his influence in locker-room culture and preparation habits.
Latest Trends and Fan Discussions (as of 2025)
Across X (formerly Twitter), “Trey McBride TE1” trended several times this season, with fans calling him one of the best young tight ends in football. On Reddit and fantasy forums, discussions about McBride’s breakout year dominate weekly lineup threads.
YouTube highlight reels featuring his one-handed catches and post-route cuts have garnered millions of views, showcasing how his performances resonate beyond statistics.
FAQs
What are Trey McBride’s 2025 season stats so far?
As of Week 8, McBride has recorded 58 receptions, 643 yards, and 5 touchdowns, making him one of the top-performing tight ends in the NFL.
How does Trey McBride rank among other NFL tight ends in 2025?
He ranks in the top three across receptions, yards, and efficiency metrics, closely trailing Travis Kelce and outperforming George Kittle and Mark Andrews in catch rate.
Is Trey McBride a good fantasy football option?
Yes. McBride has become a top-tier fantasy tight end, averaging over 15 fantasy points per game in 2025, making him a reliable weekly starter.
What makes Trey McBride unique as a tight end?
McBride’s combination of route precision, blocking ability, and yards-after-catch strength sets him apart from traditional tight ends, making him a complete offensive weapon.
Can Trey McBride reach 1,000 receiving yards in 2025?
If his current pace continues, he is projected to surpass 1,000 receiving yards by the end of the regular season — a rare milestone for tight ends in the NFL.
In Summary
Trey McBride’s evolution from college standout to NFL star encapsulates the future of the tight end position. His 2025 stats are not just impressive — they’re transformative, reflecting how modern offenses rely on versatile athletes who can both block and catch.
As the Arizona Cardinals continue to develop around Kyler Murray, McBride’s growth will play a pivotal role in shaping their offensive identity. His consistency, intelligence, and toughness have already made him one of the most respected players in the league — and his statistical trajectory suggests he’s only getting started.
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