The Cardinals doubled their win total in 2024, finishing the year with eight victories after back-to-back four win seasons. It's a step in the right direction for the Cardinals as general manager Monti Ossenfort is set to improve the team heading into 2025. While Ossenfort is credited for piecing together strong draft classes, the organization will take its swing at free agency first.
Free Agent primer schedule: Quarterbacks Feb. 17, Secondary Feb. 19, Specialists Feb. 20, Running Backs Feb. 24, Inside Linebackers Feb. 27, Wide Receivers March 3, Offensive Line March 5, Defensive Line March 6
Other free agent primers: OLB
Cap hit of players under contract for 2024 (via OverTheCap.com): Trey McBride ($5,657,393), Tip Reiman ($1,315,889), Elijah Higgins ($1,030,000), Bernhard Seikovits ($840,000)
Analysis: Trey McBride had a historic season in 2024. McBride, the Cardinals Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee and Pro Bowler, finished his third season with 111 receptions and 1,146 receiving yards. With Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce contemplating retirement, McBride, going into his fourth season, has an even stronger case in the conversation as the league's best tight end.
McBride is not the only piece in the tight end room. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing's commitment to playing in 12 and 13 personnel and using multiple tight ends is not a secret. It's one of the reasons why the Cardinals drafted Tip Reiman in the third round last season. He is a key member of the unit because of his blocking skillset. Elijah Higgins has also played well behind McBride, connecting with QB Kyler Murray for a pair of touchdowns last season.
With free agency around the corner, the tight end position is nowhere near the top of the Cardinals priority list. If Monti Ossenfort decides to evaluate the position, he could perhaps look at adding a veteran piece to the room given that McBride is only 25 years old, although he has proven an alpha himself.
Notable past free agent tight end signings: Charles Clay (2019); Maxx Williams (2019); Jermaine Gresham (2015); John Carlson (2014); Jake Ballard (2013); Darren Fells (2013); Todd Heap (2011); Jeff King (2011); Freddie Jones (2002); Chris Gedney (1997).
A look at some of the top tight ends across the NFL who are scheduled to become free agents in mid-March
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (83) jumps over Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) catches the pass in front of Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during an NFL football game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Pittsburgh. The Bengals defeated the Steelers 19-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (86) runs with the ball in the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Commanders 55-23. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin (83) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper (81) makes a touchdown reception against Indianapolis Colts linebackers Zaire Franklin (44) and E.J. Speed (45) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox (81) runs after a catch during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. The Colts defeated the Titans 38-30. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Harrison Bryant (84) runs with the ball against the Cleveland Browns during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
Seattle Seahawks tight end Pharaoh Brown (86) completes a catch during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. (Michael Owens via AP)
Minnesota Vikings tight end Johnny Mundt (86) dives with the ball during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Chicago. The Vikings defeated the Bears 30 - 27. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Cleveland Browns tight end Jordan Akins (88) scores a touchdown during the NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in Baltimore. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
