As the NFL draft approaches, Mike Clay unveils his 2025 fantasy football tight end rankings, highlighting standout players who are primed for success. The rankings exclude rookies, focusing on established performers who have made their mark on the league.

Leading the pack is Brock Bowers of the Las Vegas Raiders, who set a rookie tight end record with 262.7 fantasy points last season. Following him is Arizona's Trey McBride, who has shown promise with high target shares and potential for improved touchdown production. San Francisco's George Kittle continues to be a top-tier option, especially with changes in the 49ers' receiving corps. Travis Kelce's performance has waned, prompting questions about his future as an elite tight end. Other notable mentions include David Njoku, T.J. Hockenson, and the emerging Sam LaPorta, each with intriguing upside in their respective offenses.

The Chiefs Wire Podcast highlighted an engaging conversation with Arizona Cardinals Pro Bowl tight end Trey McBride, who shared insights following his breakout season. McBride, a first-time Pro Bowler, expressed admiration for Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, particularly noting Kelce's remarkable postseason performance. The Cardinals had a challenging season, finishing 8-9 and missing the playoffs, but McBride remained optimistic about the team's future potential.

In his first year as a Pro Bowler, McBride recorded career-best stats with 111 receptions for 1,146 yards and two touchdowns. His performance represents a significant leap for a player initially drafted in the second round. His analysis of Kelce's play during the postseason offers a glimpse into his aspirations and where he aims to take his game next.

The NFL offseason has seen significant player movement, with Sam Darnold signing a record $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks, Davante Adams joining the Los Angeles Rams on a two-year deal, and Deebo Samuel Sr. being traded to the Washington Commanders. As the offseason progresses, attention shifts to early projections for the 2025 fantasy football drafts, particularly focusing on the tight end position.

Brock Bowers, who had an exceptional rookie season with the Las Vegas Raiders, is poised to be a top pick. Trey McBride from the Arizona Cardinals also stands out following a solid performance, while George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers remains a reliable option. Sam LaPorta of the Detroit Lions experienced a resurgence that may influence his draft stock. On the other hand, Jonnu Smith could be a sneaky value pick for the Miami Dolphins, while Evan Engram faces uncertainty after moving to the Denver Broncos.

The Arizona Cardinals face significant contract extensions as key players like tight end Trey McBride and cornerback Garrett Williams head into negotiations. With the market for wide receivers escalating, highlighted by Ja'Marr Chase's staggering four-year, $161 million deal, the Cardinals could anticipate hefty extensions in the coming years, especially for players like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Garrett Williams. Harrison could command a contract similar to those of top receivers if he posts impressive seasons, while Williams is poised for his own lucrative extension next offseason. The franchise's challenge will be balancing these financial commitments while maintaining roster strength.

As the Arizona Cardinals head into the offseason, a main focus will be the contract extension for tight end Trey McBride. General manager Monti Ossenfort has expressed a strong desire to extend McBride, a sentiment echoed at the NFL Combine. Historical patterns suggest that the Cardinals typically announce such extensions in the summer, after the start of training camp. Current projections indicate that McBride's new contract could exceed $20 million per year. While fans are eager for news, the team has little urgency to finalize the deal, given McBride's contract runs until 2025 and the potential for a franchise tag next year. This timeline aligns with the organization’s historical precedent regarding extensions, ensuring a methodical approach as they navigate the offseason.