“Why can’t Kyler and I have that same connection?” McBride asked while at Tight End University

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride had a breakout season in 2024, setting the franchise record for receptions by a tight end with 111, a record he held from the season before when he caught 81 passes. He was four off the franchise record of 115 set by DeAndre Hopkins in 2020.

This week he was in Nashville participating in Tight End University, led by Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs and George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers. NFL fans know how good the pairing of Kelce and quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been.

McBride sees that and wants something similar with Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.

“Travis, he would always give us some nuggets on being friendly to the quarterback,” McBride said on ESPN (via NFL.com). “Make sure you and your quarterback are on the same page. He kind of plays it a little bit. He and Mahomes have a nice connection and I kind of took that and was like, ‘Why can’t Kyler and I have that same connection?’ I feel like that’s what I tried to do. I tried to have that same relationship and that growth with Kyler and just continue to make plays for him and be that security blanket. If he needs somewhere to go with the ball, he always can throw it to me and that’s what I’m trying to do for him.”

That is what McBride was for Murray last season, and now that McBride has signed a four-year, $76 million extension, he is under contract through 2029, a year past Murray’s deal.

The one thing missing from their production is touchdowns, as they have connected for only four, two last season, despite many opportunities.

But that is fluky. If he has 100 catches in 2025, he will assuredly score more than two touchdowns.

McBride is a big fan of Murray. “You always have a chance if Kyler has the ball in his hands,” he said.

It will be exciting to see what the duo can do in 2025.

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