Cardinals TE Trey McBride breaks top 15 on NFL top 100 players ahead of 2026 season

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride was named by the NFL as one of the top 15 players ahead of the 2026 season.

Spots 14 and 13 were revealed on Thursday, and McBride came in at 13. McBride moved up 52 spots from last year’s ranking.

McBride joins teammates Josh Sweat (No. 78) and Budda Baker (75) on the NFL’s top 100 list.

Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox, New Orleans Saints safety Jonas Sanker and Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz applauded McBride’s performance last season in the video revealing his ranking on the list, calling him “a dog.”

“He’s a focal point in their pass game,” Carolina Panthers linebacker Devin Lloyd said in the video. “Somebody who can make all the catches.”

No. 13 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026…@AZCardinals TE Trey McBride! @NFLFilms pic.twitter.com/jVzIelLEct

— NFL (@NFL) August 20, 2026

After receiving a four-year contract extension before the 2025 season, McBride lived up to his price tag as he caught 126 passes (2nd in the NFL) for 1,239 receiving yards (6th) and 11 touchdowns (tied for 2nd). His 126 receptions were the most by a tight end in a single NFL season. For his efforts, McBride was named to his second Pro Bowl and was named a near-unanimous All-Pro.

Related

Court decision gives athletes chance to return to college, including Wydett Williams of the CardinalsESPN ranks Cardinals dead last in NFL Future Power RankingsBubble watch: Notable Cardinals in danger of 53-man roster cutsCalais Campbell says football brings him joy amid family tragedyJacoby Brissett on Cardinals’ offensive firepower: ‘It presents a lot of problems for teams’Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. is trending up, and it’s not by surprise