GLENDALE – Arizona Cardinals All-Pro tight end might be preparing for a life without quarterback Kyler Murray. Earlier in the week, Trey McBride spoke to Zach Gelb about how he would love to see Murray return as the starter in 2026. However, in his latest interview with Kay Adams on “Up and Adams,” his perspective has change slightly. McBride would love to have the two-time Pro Bowler back but would be excited for “whoever” is the starter.

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) prepares to play the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium on Dec 7, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. Syndication: Arizona Republic

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McBride on who he would want under center in 2026:

McBride and Murray have played 40 career games together and have grown into one of the dangerous duos in the NFL. When the All-Pro was drafted in 2022, he didn’t illustrate his potential in his rookie season by recording 265 receiving yards and one touchdown. It wasn’t until the following year, which could be credited to new head coach Jonathan Gannon and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing was brought in, that McBride dominated.

In his sophomore year, McBride became Murray’s most targeted weapon on offense with 106 targets for 81 catches and 825 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The next year, McBride got his first 1,000-yard season and his first Pro Bowl selection, as the team looked to be on the fringe of making the postseason in 2025.

Dec 28, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) celebrates with quarterback Kyler Murray (1) after catching a 1-yard touchdown pass against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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That was until a foot injury in Week 5 vs. the Tennessee Titans sidelined Murray for the rest of the season, leading to Jacoby Brissett taking the role. Despite McBride’s stats exploding to a career high in yards, touchdowns and catches, the team went 1-11 in Murray’s absence. McBride’s one requirement for the next quarterback to get him the ball, and either Murray and Brissett did that exceptionally.

If general manager Monti Ossenfort brings in a quarterback in the draft or free agency, would that anger McBride because of uncertainty of his targets in 2026? The 26-year-old has made it clear his passion for winning, so stats could become secondary if next year’s quarterback can put the Cardinals back on the winning track.

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