Broncos to Face Cardinals Tight End Trey McBride
The Denver Broncos will challenge Arizona's star tight end on October 25, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Football
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The Denver Broncos prepare to face off against the Arizona Cardinals and standout tight end Trey McBride on October 25, 2026. This matchup highlights the stark contrast between McBride's production and the limited output of Denver's current tight end group.
Why it matters
The Denver Broncos continue to face challenges in identifying and acquiring a high-level tight end to match league leaders. The team's ongoing struggle in this position may lead the front office to explore potential trades before the upcoming deadline.
Trey McBride has recorded 49 catches for 361 yards in the 2026 season, building on his 2025 campaign of 126 catches and 1,239 yards. In contrast, Denver's tight end rotation of Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins, and Caleb Lohner has totaled only 18 catches and three touchdowns.
The players
Trey McBride
Selected 55th overall in the 2022 NFL draft, he is a 26-year-old tight end currently playing for the Arizona Cardinals.
Denver Broncos
This NFL franchise is based in Denver and is currently searching for consistent production from its tight end position.
Arizona Cardinals
This NFL team is based in Arizona and utilizes a high-performing passing attack featuring a focal point at tight end.
The details
The Arizona Cardinals leverage Trey McBride across various personnel groupings to force opposing defenses into difficult adjustments. Denver remains focused on developing its roster depth, yet has not found an answer at the position to rival the impact of the 26-year-old draft pick.
Timeline
Trey McBride was selected in the 2022 NFL draft.
In 2025, Trey McBride recorded 126 catches for 1,239 yards.
The Denver Broncos play the Arizona Cardinals on October 25, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The success of Trey McBride following the 2022 NFL draft illustrates how early-round selections continue to dictate roster construction strategies for NFL teams. His performance serves as a benchmark for the Broncos as they evaluate whether to build through the draft or pursue veteran trades.
The Broncos' lack of tight end production suggests a heavy reliance on other offensive weapons for fantasy managers and betting lines. Coaches may adjust defensive schemes to prioritize covering the middle of the field against McBride's specific usage patterns.
The takeaway
Teams that fail to secure elite talent at key positions often find themselves forced into aggressive trade scenarios during mid-season windows. Focusing on draft-day value remains the primary strategy for clubs attempting to build sustainable rosters.
Further reading
For more on the latest league updates, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Denver Post.
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