Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray earned $32.8 million guaranteed by virtue of him still being on the roster at 4 p.m. ET Saturday, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, who provided more information.

Another early payday for Kyler Murray: By being on the #Cardinals at 4 p.m. ET today, his $22.835 million 2026 base salary and $10M of his $17M March 2026 roster bonus are fully guaranteed.

Murray is due $32.6 million this season. Now another $32.835M is guaranteed for 2026. pic.twitter.com/NPIXuEZfE9

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2025

Murray, a six-year veteran, has played his entire career with the Cardinals, who selected the ex-Oklahoma star with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. Last season, Murray completed 68.8 percent of his passes for 3,851 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while adding 572 rushing yards and five scores.

Murray signed a five-year, $230.5 million extension in July 2022, keeping him under contract with the team through 2028.

Last season was an encouraging year for Murray, who suffered a torn ACL in Dec. 2022 agains the New England Patriots that sidelined him for nine games in the 2023 campaign. The 2024 season ended up being his first full season since 2020, as he missed three games in 2021 with a sprained ankle.

The Cardinals are in year two of a new era led by general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon. Arizona went 4-13 in 2023 before doubling its win total to 8-9 last year. The Cardinals actually led the NFC West alone with a 6-4 record after 10 games but struggled down the stretch, going 2-5.

Arizona is on an upward trajectory, though, and hopes for its first playoff appearance since 2021, when Murray led the Cardinals to an 11-win season and an NFC Wild Card appearance.

Arizona made some key additions in free agency, picking up edge-rusher Josh Sweat from the Philadelphia Eagles and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson from the Cleveland Browns to shore up the defense. The promising offense has much of the talent that led to a solid 2024, including running back James Conner, tight end Trey McBride and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

And Murray will be at the forefront of it all once again, especially after the Cardinals just committed to giving him $32.8 million more.

The Arizona Cardinals are reportedly targeting a new contract agreement with Trey McBride following a breakout 2024 season from the tight end.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Cardinals "hope" to give McBride a new deal during the offseason.

The former second-round pick blossomed into a key piece of Arizona's offense in 2024, earning Pro Bowl honors for the first time in his career.

McBride caught 111 passes for 1,146 yards in 16 games, finding the end zone twice.

On his 98th catch of the year, Trey McBride gets his first TD!

📺: #AZvsLAR on NFL Network
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/vaEpSTZawt

— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2024

The 25-year-old has steadily improved throughout each of his first three seasons in the league, as his receptions per game and receiving yards per game averages have increased every year since his inaugural season.

McBride is still on his rookie contract and is set to earn $5.3 million for the 2025 season, but it's easy to see why Arizona wants to get an extension done during the current offseason instead of waiting for him to hit free agency.

A long-term agreement should make McBride one of the highest-paid players at his position given his age and production. Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce is currently the highest-paid tight end in the NFL on an average annual basis, earning $17.1 million per year (via Spotrac).

McBride didn't appear concerned about potentially leaving Arizona when discussing a potential new contract earlier in the offseason, explaining that his representatives were planning to meet with Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort.

"I love being in Arizona and this is where I want to win," McBride said, via SI.com's Donnie Druin. "This is exactly what I want to do and I'm just excited to see what that next step is."

"Right now the season just ended so I'm still on a little relaxed mode, but I think Monti [Ossenfort] and my agent will start talking here soon and hopefully we can get something done before the season," he added.

There appears to be mutual interest from both sides to agree on a new contract before the 2025 regular season begins.

The Arizona Cardinals haven't made the playoffs since the 2021 season, but that is going to change in the near future.

At least it is if you hear Trey McBride tell it.

"From where we've come the last couple years to where we are now, we've grown significantly," the star tight end told Bleacher Report. "I think we have a great head coach, a great G.M., and I think they're building the program and the culture the right way.

"I'm excited to see what they do this next draft and who they bring in and how they change the team up. We're closer than I've ever been, and I'm excited to make the playoffs the next couple years and be a force to be reckoned with in this league."

Perhaps the biggest reason for optimism looking ahead to the future in Arizona is McBride himself.

After all, the second-round pick of the 2022 NFL draft was a marginal contributor as a rookie before making a remarkable leap into his second year when he posted 81 catches for 825 yards and three touchdowns.

That set the stage for him to become one of the league's best tight ends in his third year, and he accomplished just that with 111 catches for 1,146 yards and two touchdowns as a first-time Pro Bowler and matchup nightmare for opposing defenses that had to deal with his combination of his size and athleticism.

Trey McBride shook someone off and then hurdled another guy 😤

📺: #NYJvsAZ on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/Cggqtzds5v

— NFL (@NFL) November 10, 2024

With McBride as a bright spot, the Cardinals went from 4-13 in head coach Jonathan Gannon's first year in 2023 to 8-9 in 2024 with victories over playoff teams in the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers.

They fell short of their postseason goal, but things seem to be trending in the right direction.

"I'd like to still be playing and be in the playoffs, and obviously we didn't get that done as a team," the tight end said. "But to have the individual success that I had was very exciting. Just to know that I can compete and be an elite player in this league. At the same time, I'm excited for next year. We're a lot closer than people think, and hopefully next year we can make a playoff run because that's what is most important."

There is no reason to expect anything but an even better version of McBride in 2025 as he chases the playoffs.

After all, he is just 25 years old, will have three full seasons under his belt, more chemistry with quarterback Kyler Murray and another chance to work together with wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. so they can better take advantage of double teams opposing secondaries throw their way.

On his 98th catch of the year, Trey McBride gets his first TD!

📺: #AZvsLAR on NFL Network
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/vaEpSTZawt

— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2024

That is plenty of young talent in the aerial attack, and the greats always seem to pick something to focus on during the offseason that makes them even better as they progress in their careers.

So what is that for McBride heading into 2025?

"For me, it's continuing to read coverages," he said. "Defenses do such a great job of disguising coverages and making it difficult to read. So continuing to hone in on the different coverages I see and being able to recognize them as fast as possible is something I'm always trying to be better at."

An even better understanding of those coverages will likely lead to more touchdowns next season.

Despite McBride's dominance from a receptions and yard vantage point, it became a running storyline throughout the 2024 campaign that he was not catching any touchdowns. In fact, his two touchdown catches came in the final two games of Arizona's schedule.

It reached a point that Murray was even promising the touchdown drought would end:

Kyler promises his TE Trey McBride will score a TD soon 🔥🫡

(via @k1) pic.twitter.com/ZNZvtJEDlL

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) December 18, 2024

Naturally, that led to plenty of fantasy football chatter. While anyone who drafted McBride was surely thrilled with his overall season seeing how he tallied more than 100 catches and more than 1,000 receiving yards, a few more touchdowns would have made him even more valuable.

"Every single week you hear the fantasy football stuff," he said while laughing. "People in your DMs, mad or happy for whatever reason. You see it every single week. But I continue to do what I can do and be the best player I can be, and all the fantasy stuff will take care of itself."

Being the best player he can be goes beyond just playing on Sundays, which is one reason McBride partnered with Rockin' Protein as one of its athlete ambassadors.

The Arizona-based company prides itself on its quality thanks to the use of fresh Shamrock Farms milk to eliminate the typical chalky aftertaste. It also features no added sugar, making it all the more beneficial for athletes like McBride.

"There's a ton of different reasons why I chose to work with Rockin'," he said. "The first thing that stands out to me is they are an Arizona-based company. They're local people in my community and people I want to associate with. And the protein tastes very good. It's got 30 grams of protein, and it's something I really enjoy. It helps me get through those long football days."

First receiving touchdown of the season and making it into the 100 receptions & 1K yards club?! That’s what being a member of #TeamRockin will do for you, congrats to our guy @mcbtrey. Never Settle https://t.co/afc2ZzXNwn

— Rockin' Protein (@rockinprotein) December 29, 2024

There aren't many of those long football days remaining in the 2024 season with the Buffalo Bills facing the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship and the Philadelphia Eagles facing the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship on Sunday.

McBride and the Cardinals have a better idea of what to expect in those contests than most seeing how they played the Commanders and Bills earlier this season. What's more, Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was the head coach in Arizona when McBride was drafted and for his rookie campaign in 2022.

"Buffalo is a really good team, and it's cool to see Josh Allen win so many games and be successful," the Pro Bowler said of the upcoming conference title games. "He's a great quarterback, and I would love to see him make it to the Super Bowl.

"On the other side, the Commanders are a really good team, and Kliff was my head coach. So I'm always pulling for him. I think Jayden Daniels is a stud for doing what he's doing in his first year. I'm kind of pulling for those guys as well."

If everything goes according to plan, McBride and the Cardinals will follow their former coach's footsteps and reach this level next season.

The Arizona Cardinals are expected to have their starting running back on the field for Saturday's matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, James Conner, who was listed as questionable due to a knee injury, is expected to suit up for Arizona's penultimate game even with the Cardinals having no chance of reaching the playoffs.

In his eighth season in the NFL, Conner has had one of the best years of his career. He's recorded 1,090 rushing yards and eight touchdowns along with 410 receiving yards and a touchdown through the air. He's already notched a career-high in rushing yards and has his second-most receiving yards in a season.

Conner, who has played all 15 games for the Cardinals, suffered a right knee injury in last week's loss to the Carolina Panthers. Though he wasn't ruled out of the game, he did not return to the field after the injury.

Arizona running backs coach Autry Denson said earlier this week that Conner has had "good" progression in the days leading up to the matchup with the Rams.

"(He looks) like he does every week," Denson said, per the Arizona Republic's Theo Mackie. "James is always ready to go."

Per Mackie, Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said Conner "wants to play" even though his presence won't make a difference in Arizona's playoff chances.

The Cardinals, who have missed the playoffs the last two years, were still in the postseason mix heading into the final weeks of the season, but last week's defeat to the Panthers eliminated them from contention.

Had Arizona avoided the upset, the stakes would have been high for Saturday's NFC West matchup. Instead, the Cardinals would look to play spoiler as the Rams continue their playoff push.

Though it didn't reach the playoffs in 2024, Arizona showed improvement this year after going 4-13 in each of the last two seasons. That growth can certainly be attributed somewhat to Conner's strong play and the Cardinals will hope to get another productive season from him in 2025.

While the Arizona Cardinals are no longer in NFL playoff contention, quarterback Kyler Murray believes there's one area in which the team's final two games can be of great benefit.

Murray told reporters Tuesday he and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. haven't hit the heights they were expecting just yet, which is something they can keep working on this year.

"We gotta get better," he said. "It's not where he wants it, it's not where I want it to be, it's not where this team needs it to be. Again, I haven't lost any confidence. Excited for these next two weeks."

Harrison was widely considered a can't-miss draft prospect, one who would immediately become a difference-maker in the NFL. To the consternation of Cardinals fans and fantasy football managers alike, that hasn't happened.

The No. 4 overall pick has 51 receptions for 726 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie. Within his draft class, he's fifth in catches and receiving yards.

Harrison has had flashes, most notably his 130-yard, two-touchdown outing against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2.

MARVIN HARRISON JR. AGAIN ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! 🤯

2 CATCHES. 2 TDS. 😳

(via @AZCardinals)

pic.twitter.com/EXqwPAyehu

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 15, 2024

He has eclipsed the century mark in receiving just once since then.

It's doubtful that two games will fully shift the narrative surrounding Harrison's first season, even if he has big performances against the Rams and San Francisco 49ers to close out 2024.

But Murray and Harrison can at least set the table for 2025. Ending the year on a high note will generate some optimism for what's in store next fall.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray assured tight end Trey McBride that his season-long receiving touchdown drought will come to an end soon.

"85 will touch the endzone soon, I promise," Murray wrote on his Instagram.

Kyler promises his TE Trey McBride will score a TD soon 🔥🫡

(via @k1) pic.twitter.com/ZNZvtJEDlL

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) December 18, 2024

McBride recovered a fumble for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2 and recorded a rushing touchdown against the Chicago Bears in Week 9, but has yet to register a touchdown catch this season despite leading the Cardinals with 938 receiving yards through 13 games.

He missed one game with a concussion but still heads into Week 15 ranked sixth in the NFL with 89 catches.

That marks the most receptions recorded without marking a receiving touchdown in NFL history, according to ESPN's Field Yates.

This isn't the first time Murray has addressed McBride's lack of touchdowns despite his high usage. The Cardinals quarterback said ahead of Week 14 that the tight end's zero receiving touchdowns were a "weird stat, 'cause he's going crazy."

"I think we've had a couple opportunities, haven't connected, but no, that's definitely going to happen soon," Murray said on Dec. 4.

Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray agrees with the rest of us:

Tight end Trey McBride not having a receiving touchdown 12 games in is a “weird stat.”

“That’s definitely gotta happen soon.” pic.twitter.com/0ufiBDRqGw

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) December 4, 2024

McBride said the same day that he was confident the drought would end soon.

"Whatever it is, we're going to get one soon, and they are going to come in bunches," McBride said ahead of Week 14, per team reporter Darren Urban. "I'm going to have three, four, five, six when I catch one. It's going to be great."

McBride has received 24 targets and totaled 157 receiving yards in the two games since that comment, but still has yet to make it to the end zone.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon praised McBride as a "playmaker" after he made nine catches, including a reception on the one-yard line, for 87 yards during Sunday's Week 15 win over the New England Patriots.

"I'm really proud of him with his maturation of when things don't go exactly your way, he sticks with it, stays positive and impacts the game in a positive way," Gannon said.

Given the increasing focus on the tight end's drought, it seems likely Murray and Gannon will look to get McBride even more red-zone targets during next Sunday's road game against the Carolina Panthers.

The Arizona Cardinals and safety Budda Baker have agreed on a three-year, $54 million contract extension, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Cardinals All-Pro S Budda Baker has reached agreement on a three-year, $54 million contract extension, including $30M guaranteed. The $18M APY deal is the largest third contract for a safety in NFL history. The contract was negotiated by David Mulugheta of Athletes First. pic.twitter.com/7oSB992M4V

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 18, 2024

Baker, an eight-year veteran, has made six Pro Bowls and two All-Pro first teams. He's been fantastic in Arizona this year, amassing 142 tackles (88 solo) in 14 starts.

Baker, who turns 29 years old on Jan. 10, has been the heart and soul of the Cardinals' defense ever since Arizona selected him with the 36th overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft out of Washington.

He was playing 2024 on a revised two-year contract worth $28.2 million ($13.4 million guaranteed) set to expire after this season, per Over the Cap.

Now Baker is under contract through 2027, and the contract is getting good reviews.

We can split hairs about paying a safety with a lot of wear and tear on his body near the end of his athletic prime but its Budda Baker. This is a really good thing for the org even if the contract doesn't age well. https://t.co/uMGN9ywcnQ

— Jody Oehler (@radiojody) December 18, 2024

Budda baker has to be one of the most under appreciated players in the league

— Ben Kennedy (@BenKennedy85) December 18, 2024

Intriguing to see this extension after the massive downward correction the market had at safety this season.

Very happy to see Budda Baker secure another bag in the face of that trend. https://t.co/rKM6K2bm7Q

— Nick Korte (@nickkorte) December 18, 2024

The Arizona Cardinals now extended the heart & soul on both sides of the football with James Conner and Budda Baker. The Cards aren't in the business of letting talented leave the organization.

— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) December 18, 2024

Three-year extension for Budda Baker. Rewarded for loyalty, all the Pro Bowls and doing his job at a high level every year, aside from being a tough guy who has played hurt. He is to the Cardinals defense what James Conner is to the offense.

— José M. Romero (@RomeroJoseM) December 18, 2024

And just like that Budda Baker will be an all-timer (if he wasn’t already).

Make room for him in the ring of honor! https://t.co/ZGYR8AJRYJ

— Richie Bradshaw (@RichieBradz36) December 18, 2024

Budda Baker currently ranks 2nd in the NFL in total tackles, with 142.

As a safety.

Cardinals keeping their defensive anchor around. https://t.co/Agn3L1XfQc

— Alex D’Agostino (@AlexDagAZ) December 18, 2024

It's a great long-term move for Arizona. In the interim, Baker and the 7-7 Cardinals are trying to chase down the 8-6 Seattle Seahawks and 8-6 Los Angeles Rams for the NFC West title with three weeks left.

Amid a strong season for an Arizona Cardinals team fighting to make the playoffs in the NFC, James Conner has been rewarded with a contract extension from the club.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Conner has agreed to a two-year, $19 million deal that will keep him under contract with the Cardinals through the 2026 season.

The deal's timing allowed Conner to get a slight increase on the two-year, $18.3 million extension that David Montgomery received from the Detroit Lions in October.

Conner has been a steady performer throughout his career, particularly since joining the Cardinals as a free agent in April 2021. He set a career-high with 18 total touchdowns in his first season in Arizona.

During the 2023 season, Conner averaged a career-best 5.0 yards per carry. He also surpassed 1,000 yards rushing for the first time in his career.

In 11 games for the Cardinals this season, Conner leads the team in touches (195), yards from scrimmage (993) and ranks second in total touchdowns (five). The two-time Pro Bowler will almost certainly reach 1,000 yards from scrimmage for the fourth consecutive season.

Conner is an integral part of a Cardinals rushing attack that ranks sixth in the NFL with 140.3 yards per game.

Arizona has been a pleasant surprise with a 6-5 record so far this season. The offense has been inconsistent overall, but the dynamic with Conner and Kyler Murray in the backfield is one of the big reasons they have found success.

Conner will celebrate his new contract by trying to help the Cardinals in a crucial NFC showdown on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The Cardinals (6-5) enter Week 13 one game behind the Washington Commanders in the win column for the final playoff spot in the NFC.

Let this be a lesson: Sometimes it pays to not recognize NFL stars.

Arizona Cardinals star Kyler Murray recently enjoyed a piece of New York-style pizza straight from the source and encountered a fellow restaurant patron who had no idea who he was. A video of their earnest exchange about the pizza has gone viral online.

Murray has subsequently reached out to the man on Instagram and offered tickets to a Cardinals game.

This might happen more often than you think with NFL players. Such is life when your job requires you to wear a helmet that obscures your face. Even actual fans of the sport can have trouble telling stars apart.

In a lot of years, giving away tickets to a Cardinals game wouldn't exactly be an act of charity. Arizona is coming off back-to-back 4-13 campaigns. However, now is a good time to make the trek out to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

The Cardinals are leading the NFC West at 6-4 and Murray is having one of his most efficient passing seasons ever. He has thrown for 2,058 yards and 12 touchdowns with three interceptions, and his 74.9 QBR is the third-highest in the NFL.

Assuming Murray's new friend lives in New York City or the surrounding area, getting tickets for a Cardinals game is much less of a challenge than traveling out to Arizona in the first place.

Considering Murray has a $37 million base salary for 2024, maybe he can throw airfare into the deal.