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 him as the centerpiece of Arizona's passing attack.

McBride enters the season following a record-setting campaign that demonstrated just how heavily the Cardinals can lean on him . His ability to consistently create separation, find open space and turn short receptions into additional yardage has made him one of the most reliable targets at any position.

The prediction would require McBride to maintain an enormous level of volume throughout the season. Leading the NFL in catches is a rare achievement for a tight end because the league's top reception totals are typically dominated by elite wide receivers operating as the primary options in high-volume passing offenses.

Arizona, however, has already shown a willingness to feature McBride extensively. He is capable of working across the middle, attacking defenses from different alignments and serving as a dependable option when the offense needs a critical completion.

Arizona Cardinals' Trey McBride Projected to Lead NFL in Catches for 2026 Season

McBride is predicted to lead the league in one category next season. This is detailed more in an analysis by Douglas Clawson for CBS Sports.

Prediction: Trey McBride will lead the NFL in catches Trey McBride set the single-season TE record with 126 catches last season as the Cardinals led the NFL in pass attempts and had ample garbage time to pad stats. He finished second in the NFL in receptions behind Puka Nacua (129). So what will he do for an encore? He will be the first TE to lead the NFL in receptions since Tony Gonzalez in 2004.

Prediction: Trey McBride will lead the NFL in catches

Trey McBride set the single-season TE record with 126 catches last season as the Cardinals led the NFL in pass attempts and had ample garbage time to pad stats. He finished second in the NFL in receptions behind Puka Nacua (129). So what will he do for an encore? He will be the first TE to lead the NFL in receptions since Tony Gonzalez in 2004.

His production also presents a difficult problem for opposing defenses. Assigning a linebacker to cover McBride can create athletic mismatches, while using a defensive back can create advantages for the Cardinals in other areas of the offense, making him a versatile weapon capable of influencing how opponents structure their coverage.

The prediction remains ambitious, but McBride has already demonstrated that he belongs among the NFL's elite tight ends . If he continues to command a major share of Arizona's targets and maintains the consistency that fueled his recent success, the Cardinals star could challenge the league's top receivers and finish 2026 as the NFL's most prolific pass catcher.