Football fever is finally in the air, as training camps for NFL teams all over the nation have officially begun. It's time to see the biggest names return to the gridiron and new names try to make a name for themselves and stake a claim in the league.
As with every training camp, every team has its own set of questions heading into it, each unique to its own roster. The Chiefs have a very good one at tight end, and it is as follows: Will Noah Gray make the leap this season to take over for Travis Kelce once he retires, or will the Chiefs have to look elsewhere? Let's dive in and find out.
Noah Gray's background
Noah Gray was drafted in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Duke University. In 2019, he earned second-team All-ACC honors along with second-team All-American honors from the Walter Camp Football Foundation. When he was first brought onto the team, some thought he would be a good developmental prospect who would back up Travis Kelce and take over for him once he retired.
As he continued to develop, it seemed as though the Chiefs saw something in him that they didn't see in current free agents or draft prospects. Before the 2024 season, the Chiefs re-signed Noah Gray to a new three-year, $18 million contract. In 2024, it seemed as though that contract would pay off, as he had 40 receptions on 49 targets for 437 yards and five touchdowns.
After such a great year, it looked like the answer had been sealed in place. Once Kelce retired, Gray would take his spot as the official No. 1 tight end for the Chiefs. However, that would soon change this past season.
Noah Gray's current status
In 2025, he posted career lows with 21 catches on 37 targets for 178 yards and zero touchdowns. This is a stat line we are not used to seeing from the promising tight end prospect. Some say it could be scheme or play-calling issues; however, Gray had his career-best numbers under that same coordinator.
Gray had a slump this year; there is no question about that. But was it a one-off season, or was it a sign of things to come?
Gray's Verdict
While he has one more year left after this season, I feel that this is the season that will determine if Noah Gray is the next TE1 for the Chiefs. Through training camp, he has received mixed reviews:
Noah Gray having a good day it seems https://t.co/gfUPjc8GeB
— Arrowhead Live (@ArrowheadLive) August 5, 2026
Noah Gray doesn’t really get open, doesn’t really catch the ball, doesn’t really create after the catch, but get this, he doesn’t really block either. A true jack of no trades, master of none. Most teams look to move on from a player like this, but in Kansas City he was rewarded… https://t.co/9v0mbp2qA4
— Pranav Sriraman (@PranavSriraman) August 4, 2026
With that said, it is a make-or-break year for Noah Gray, and it is largely a "wait-and-see" situation. If he does not show vast improvement this season, the Chiefs may start looking elsewhere for their future at tight end.
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