​The Arizona Cardinals will open training camp on July 22 as they begin the process of shaping their roster and determining starting roles for the 2026 regular season. In the weeks leading up to camp, we’ll review every player on the offseason roster, examining their background, contract details, performance in 2025, the questions they face, and their overall roster outlook.
One focal point of this preview is tight end Elijah Higgins. Higgins is entering his fourth NFL season and his fourth with the Cardinals. A 2023 sixth-round pick out of Stanford by the Miami Dolphins, he transitioned from receiver to tight end before being claimed by the Cardinals after he was among Miami’s final cuts. He has remained with Arizona since then.
Last season, Higgins appeared in all 17 games and started a career-high 10 of them. He posted 30 receptions for 301 yards, both career highs, though he did not find the end zone. Due to the league’s “proven performance” salary escalator, Higgins earned a salary bump and is slated to earn nearly $3.7 million in 2026, a figure that will count against the team’s salary cap. He will be an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
Higgins appears to be a near-lock to make the roster. With him in the mix, three spots in the tight end room seem relatively settled alongside Trey McBride and Tip Reiman. However, Higgins does not offer the same level of playmaking ability as McBride, nor the blocking prowess of Reiman. His escalator salary adds another dimension to the decision-making process: the Cardinals could potentially seek similar production from a different, lower-cost option if they find a better value at the position.
Beyond that, Higgins is a solid pass catcher and a competent, if not standout, blocker. He logged more than 250 snaps on special teams last season, contributing value to the team in multiple phases. Given the salary considerations and the evolving needs of the roster, Higgins could also be of interest in potential trade discussions if the Cardinals decide to prioritize keeping other tight ends who may offer a higher ceiling or different skill sets in a tightly contested group.
If not for the presence of McBride, Higgins would likely be viewed as a capable starting tight end in the league. He provides reliable hands and a reasonable route-running profile, while his overall contribution to special teams adds to his versatility. As camp unfolds, the Cardinals will weigh Higgins’s proven production against the financial and strategic considerations that come with a tight end room that includes McBride and Reiman.
For more Cardinals insights and NFL analysis, stay tuned to Cards Wire and follow Jess Root and the team on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. You can catch the latest episodes on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. This preview originally appeared on Cards Wire as part of our Arizona Cardinals training camp roster outlook, focusing on TE Elijah Higgins and the broader tight end position as the club prepares for the 2026 season.