PHX Reporter

The Arizona Cardinals, having doubled their win total in 2024 to finish with eight victories, are preparing for the upcoming free agency period under the guidance of General Manager Monti Ossenfort. The team aims to build on this progress as they look towards the 2025 season. While Ossenfort has been recognized for assembling strong draft classes, the organization will first focus on free agency.

The schedule for free agent primers includes positions such as quarterbacks on February 17, secondary on February 19, specialists on February 20, running backs on February 24, inside linebackers on February 27, wide receivers on March 3, offensive line on March 5, and defensive line on March 6.

Currently under contract for the tight end position are Trey McBride with a cap hit of $5,657,393, Tip Reiman at $1,315,889, Elijah Higgins at $1,030,000, and Bernhard Seikovits at $840,000.

Trey McBride had an outstanding season in 2024 and was nominated as the Cardinals Walter Payton Man of the Year. He completed his third season with notable achievements including 111 receptions and 1,146 receiving yards. With Travis Kelce considering retirement from the Kansas City Chiefs, McBride is emerging as a contender for the league's best tight end.

Offensive Coordinator Drew Petzing's strategy involves utilizing multiple tight ends through formations like the 12 and 13 personnel sets. This approach led to drafting Tip Reiman last year due to his blocking skills. Elijah Higgins also contributed by scoring two touchdowns with quarterback Kyler Murray last season.

As free agency approaches, it seems unlikely that tight end will be a top priority for the Cardinals. However, if Ossenfort decides to explore this area further, adding a veteran presence could be considered given McBride's young age of 25.

Past notable free agent signings for tight ends 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).