It was a formality given that the Cardinals extended a tender offer to him earlier this month, but Travis Vokolek signed his one-year deal to return to the team on Monday.
Vokolek had been an exclusive rights free agent, meaning that once the Cardinals extended him his tender, his lone option was to sign and remain in Arizona.
The Cardinals like the potential of the 6-foot-6, 260-pound Vokolek, whom they signed off the Ravens' practice squad in December of 2023. After appearing in two games late in that season, tight end health kept Vokolek inactive for all but one game last season.
Tight end is a young but promising unit for offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, starting with Pro Bowler Trey McBride. Tip Reiman played a big role as a rookie as a blocker, while Elijah Higgins continued to trend up as a second receiving tight end (20 catches, 172 yards, two TDs).
Vokolek fits more into the Reiman style of blocker first. The Cardinals also have international tight end Bernhard Seikovits, who is entering his fifth season with the team.
