Trey McBride receives projection to lead NFL in catches for 2026
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 7:26 PM
Last updated Sep 6, 2026
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride is projected to lead the NFL in receptions during the 2026 season. This forecast follows a 2025 campaign in which McBride recorded a single-season record for a tight end with 126 catches. He finished second in the league in receptions last year behind Puka Nacua, who had 129. Analysts suggest that the high volume of pass attempts in the Arizona offense, combined with McBride’s ability to create separation as a centerpiece target, positions him to challenge wide receivers for the top spot. If McBride succeeds, he would become the first tight end to lead the NFL in receptions since Tony Gonzalez in 2004. Defenses continue to face difficulties managing his presence, as using either a linebacker or a defensive back to cover him creates tactical advantages for the Cardinals throughout the field.
- •Trey McBride set an NFL record for a tight end with 126 catches during the 2025 season.
- •The projection anticipates McBride surpassing all NFL wide receivers and tight ends in total catches.
- •Arizona led the NFL in pass attempts during the previous season.
- •Tony Gonzalez was the last tight end to lead the NFL in catches in 2004.
- 7:26 PMYahoo Sports — NFL rankings: Arizona Cardinals TE Trey McBride 26th in ESPN player rankings
- 8:39 PMYahoo Sports — Arizona Cardinals’ Star TE Predicted to Lead NFL in Catches in 2026
"The Arizona Cardinals could have one of the NFL’s most productive pass catchers in Trey McBride, as a bold prediction projects the star tight end to lead the entire league in receptions during the 2026 season. Such an accomplishment would place McBride ahead of every wide receiver and tight end in football and further establish […] The post Arizona Cardinals’ Star TE Predicted to Lead NFL in Catches in 2026 appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
"A look at where Trey McBride lands in ESPN's projected top 100 players for 2026.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 6, 2026, 7:26 PMNFL rankings: Arizona Cardinals TE Trey McBride 26th in ESPN player rankings
A look at where Trey McBride lands in ESPN's projected top 100 players for 2026.
- Yahoo SportsSep 4, 2026, 8:39 PMArizona Cardinals’ Star TE Predicted to Lead NFL in Catches in 2026
The Arizona Cardinals could have one of the NFL’s most productive pass catchers in Trey McBride, as a bold prediction projects the star tight end to lead the entire league in receptions during the 2026 season. Such an accomplishment would place McBride ahead of every wide receiver and tight end in football and further establish […] The post Arizona Cardinals’ Star TE Predicted to Lead NFL in Catches in 2026 appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
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