The Denver Broncos made a strong push to bring star tight end Trey McBride back to his home state, inquiring about a potential trade as part of their search for offensive help, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport.
However, the Arizona Cardinals immediately slammed the door on any deal, informing the Broncos that the record-setting tight end is completely untouchable.
A deal would have been a massive homecoming for the 26-year-old star. A proud native of Fort Morgan, Colorado,McBride’s deep roots in the state run long and strong. Before becoming a two-time Pro Bowler in the NFL, he dominated locally as a standout at Colorado State University from 2018 to 2021, capping off his college career with unanimous All-American honors as a senior before being drafted in the second round by Arizona in 2022.
Even with the Cardinals struggling at 3-5 at the bottom of the NFC West, the front office refused to entertain parting with their offensive centerpiece. McBride is fresh off a record-breaking 2025 season where he shattered the NFL single-season receptions record for tight ends with 126 catches. He has been unstoppable to start this year as well, leading the entire NFL with 66 receptions through eight games, accompanied by 544 yards and five touchdowns.
McBride remains firmly anchored in Arizona through the 2029 season, thanks to the historic four-year, $76 million extension he signed prior to last season.
