Mike LaFleur is preparing for his first free agency period as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, with General Manager Monti Ossenfort joining him in building the roster. Owner Michael Bidwill has stated that he wants a quick turnaround after the team’s disappointing 2025 season. The first step in this process will be free agency.
The Cardinals’ schedule for position-specific free agent primers includes outside linebackers on March 1, wide receivers on March 2, defensive line on March 3, inside linebackers on March 4, secondary on March 5, running backs on March 6, and quarterbacks on March 7. Other primers have already covered special teams and offensive linemen.
According to OverTheCap.com, players under contract at tight end for the 2026 season include Trey McBride ($8,701,000), Tip Reiman ($1,579,067), Elijah Higgins ($1,145,000), and Rivaldo Fairweather ($1,005,000).
The tight end position is not expected to be a major focus for the Cardinals during free agency. Trey McBride had a standout season in 2025 with 11 touchdowns and 1,239 receiving yards from 126 receptions—a new NFL record for most catches by a tight end in one season. Elijah Higgins also contributed as a reliable run blocker and recorded a career-high of 30 receptions for 301 yards. Jake Moreland joins as the new tight ends coach and will work to further develop these players.
Depth at tight end may receive some attention given Mike LaFleur’s history as offensive coordinator with the Rams using three-tight end sets frequently. The health of Tip Reiman remains uncertain after missing much of last season due to a significant lower right leg injury. Josiah Deguara, Travis Vokolek (exclusive rights free agent), and Pharaoh Brown are set to become free agents.
Notable past signings at this position by the Cardinals include Charles Clay (2019), Maxx Williams (2019), Jermaine Gresham (2015), John Carlson (2014), Jake Ballard (2013), Darren Fells (2013), Todd Heap (2011), Jeff King (2011), Freddie Jones (2002), and Chris Gedney (1997).
A photo gallery highlights several top tight ends across the league who are scheduled to become free agents in mid-March.
The Arizona Cardinals are part of the NFC West division and play their home games in Glendale, Arizona (official website). The franchise serves the greater Phoenix area (official website) and is recognized as the oldest continuously operating professional football team in the United States (official website). The team captured an NFC championship in 2008 (official website).