Tip Reiman underrated, not undervalued, in Cardinals offense
Trey McBride might get most of the TE attention for his pass-catching ways, but don't forget about Cardinals' certified mauler Tip Reiman.
Watch: Which quarterbacks will we see play in the Cardinals' preseason game against the Cowboys? | 9 mins
TEMPE — Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride gets a lot of rightful attention both locally and nationally.
He’s coming off a career year pacing the Cardinals’ receiving game in catches and yards, and with fantasy football drafts underway, the limelight is shining that much brighter on the tight end.
The elite shoe definitely fits for McBride.
But don’t forget about his running mate Tip Reiman, the silent stats assassin who appeared in 17 games (nine starts) as a rookie.
He may not light up the stat sheet behind six catches for 37 yards in Year 1, but his value is “immense” for what this offense wants to accomplish.
“He might not be the first pick on a fantasy team, but on an NFL football team when we’re trying to win games, his ability in that role is extremely important,” offensive coordinator Drew Petzing said Tuesday.
One of Arizona’s certified maulers — Will Hernandez being the other — Reiman brings another level of nastiness and physicality to the room and offense as a whole.
And if there were two factors he was already versed in at the NFL level, it was those.
“It would be hard to ramp up from where he started based on how much pride I think he takes in that and the way he plays the game,” Petzing said with a smile.
“It’s certainly a big asset for him and what he brings to this offense.”
Reiman enters Year 2 in a much better head space like many NFL pros coming off their rookie season.
The game has slowed down for the young tight end, allowing him to focus on ball more than anything else.
“My experience when I’m confident is just playing more free,” he told Arizona Sports’ Wolf & Luke in June. “When I play more free, my hair’s on fire more and I lay into people more, more pancakes. That’s the goal as I continue to get more confident and play more free.
“Kind of that senior year in high school or college feeling. You feel flowy out there. I’m kind of getting into that more. I’m eager to see how comes on game days on Sundays.”
Given Arizona’s run-heavy offensive scheme and heavy usage of 12 personnel, having a legit blocking tight end to pair with an elite pass catcher is crucial to the unit running as it should.
His impact goes beyond the tight ends room, too.
There’s a new challenge inside the Cardinals offensive line room: Beat Reiman in knockdown blocks.
So far this preseason, the tight end holds the edge, though did get flagged for unnecessary roughness on the backend.
More competition the better, says Cardinals left tackle Paris Johnson Jr.
The personal foul aside, the Cardinals OL is “trying to get as many plays like Tip’s on tape.”
Tip Reiman continues to bring big-time physicality to Arizona’s offense. pic.twitter.com/P7GFE2DoWk
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 20, 2025
“Right now off that one preseason game, we’re all trying to get as many plays like Tip’s on tape,” the lineman said. “I know it’s a personal foul to dive on them and all that, but I don’t think anybody really was mad at it,” Johnson said.
“It’s fun to watch the next day. That’s kind of the stuff you talk about in the huddle. We want to show execution, but we want to put some plays on film of just playing hard. Be able to finish guys. He wanted to finish them. We want more of those types of plays across the line.”
Where could Cardinals’ Tip Reiman take another step forward?
Reiman’s blocking has been a career highlight so far.
As for where he can take that next step, it starts with getting more involved as a pass catcher.
With the expected jump from Marvin Harrison Jr., tight end Trey McBride’s ascent and the emergence of Zay Jones as another weapon this training camp, a lot of eyes are going to be focused elsewhere.
Let’s not go overboard here, McBride and Harrison need to get theirs, but there’s room for Reiman to carve out a slightly larger role as a playmaker, especially in the red zone.
Related
Bulk of Cardinals starters not expected to play in preseason finale vs. Raiders
Marvin Harrison Jr. bringing vet tendencies to the Cardinals
The 'hot spots' of the Cardinals' 53-man roster construction
This is an important week for Cardinals rookie Walter Nolen III
'Me and Chat:' Cardinals' Paris Johnson Jr. has his ChatGPT conspiracy theories
What did we learn from Cardinals’ preseason loss to the Cowboys?
Comments
8 Comments
Will definitely say Bravo to Monty in Drafting Tip!
This kid is just scratching the surface.. And absolutely love how determined he is, while playing a less glamorous role!
Don P mentions as well.. This kid can catch.. And I would not be surprised at all, if the ball finds him a lot more this year. Nothing crazy, but something like 2-300 yds and a few scores..
He had a very rookie year.. Especially on the flags and especially vs Minn.. Think this area will be vastly improved!
I think he will have a good year as well. He has good hands and can catch in college. I like how Cardinals are bringing him along. Be a dependable blocker first, then take next step with more catches.
Totally agree and I think the team is one step ahead and they plan on using him as a short yardage option between 5-15YDs. At his size no one is going to want to step in front of him n tackle him when he’s got a full head of steam at his size.
Reiman also is an elite athlete with a 9.92 RAS he’s more athletic than 90% of the MLBs in the league and can be a huge problem in the pass game. With the 3 TEs AZ and plans on utilizing this year I think AZ has the best TE room in the league, definitely top 3 at worst. And they’re young with several years left in their careers.
I’m going to butcher his name but TE Travis Vokolek I believe his name is, he’s been impressive to. Good blocker and a solid pass catcher. He could make the PS .