Trey McBride Aims to Make NFL History with Record Reception Total

Trey McBride has already made a significant mark in the NFL, and as the Arizona Cardinals prepare for the 2026 season, bold predictions suggest he could achieve something unprecedented for a tight end. Last season, McBride set the single-season record for tight ends with 126 receptions, finishing just three catches shy of the league lead held by Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams.

CBS Sports’ Douglas Clawson has forecasted that McBride will take the next step this season, potentially becoming the first tight end in over 20 years to lead the entire NFL in receptions. This prediction is grounded in McBride's impressive performance last year, where he not only set the tight end record but also established himself as a key player in the Cardinals' high-volume passing offense.

"Trey McBride set the single-season TE record with 126 catches last season as the Cardinals led the NFL in pass attempts and had ample garbage time to pad stats. He finished second in the NFL in receptions behind Puka Nacua (129)," Clawson noted. McBride's 2025 season was remarkable, as he started all 17 games, accumulating 126 catches for 1,239 yards and 11 touchdowns. His achievement broke Zach Ertz’s previous tight end record of 116 receptions and set a new single-season record for the Cardinals.

What makes McBride's potential for the upcoming season particularly intriguing is the coaching change in Arizona. New head coach Mike LaFleur has emphasized that McBride will remain a central figure in the offense. LaFleur's comments suggest that the tight end's versatility could be utilized in innovative ways, drawing comparisons to San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle. This endorsement from the coaching staff indicates that McBride's role could expand even further, enhancing his chances of leading the league in receptions.

Challenges in McBride's record pursuit

Historically, no tight end has topped the NFL in receptions since Tony Gonzalez achieved the feat in 2004, when he led the league with 102 catches. McBride's pursuit of this milestone is not without challenges, as he will be adjusting to a new quarterback situation. The Cardinals are set to enter the 2026 season with Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, and rookie Carson Beck, following the departure of Kyler Murray. However, CBS Sports has noted that Brissett has a history of utilizing tight ends effectively, which could bode well for McBride's production.

As McBride embarks on the first season of his four-year, $76 million extension signed in 2025, the expectations are high. The deal, which includes $43 million guaranteed, reflects the Cardinals' belief in his abilities. After a record-setting 2025 season, leading the league in receptions would not only solidify McBride's status but also place him in an elite category of players.

With the Cardinals' offensive strategy likely to remain pass-heavy, McBride's opportunity to chase this historic mark is significant. He came tantalizingly close last season, finishing just three receptions behind Nacua. As the 2026 season unfolds, all eyes will be on McBride to see if he can achieve what no tight end has done in over two decades, further cementing his legacy in the NFL.