After the most disappointing season of the Patrick Mahomes era, the Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2026 offseason with plenty of uncertainty, as roster moves will be necessary. Complicating things further is that there is still no firm timeline for when Mahomes can actually expect to suit up and take the field.
Not having a player like Mahomes available throughout the offseason program and, likely, training camp, will put the Chiefs behind the 8-ball from the start. However, Mahomes remains steadfast that his goal is to be cleared by Week 1. Whenever he returns, whether it is the season opener or later in the year, it seems more likely that one of his favorite targets will be waiting for him with open arms.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the buzz around the different events leading up to Super Bowl LX has been that veteran tight end Travis Kelce is as likely as ever to return for a 14th season to run it back with Kansas City. Should this happen, Russini did note that no final decision has been made despite a return appearing likely; Noah Gray's time with the Chiefs would presumably come to an end.
Noah Gray Likely a Cap Casualty with Kelce Return Rumors Heating Up
After five seasons of the Noah Gray experience in Kansas City, it is hard to think that many Chiefs fans would be upset to see the two sides part ways this offseason. After finishing with career-best numbers in the 2024 campaign, 40 receptions for 437 yards and five touchdowns, Gray regressed in a big way in 2025, recording his worst statistical season since his rookie year.
The distinct drop in production from a player who has never looked like more than a depth piece is reason enough for the front office to consider looking elsewhere this offseason. With Russini reporting that signs point towards Kelce returning for another year, it would be irresponsible to continue rostering Gray if this team truly is looking to maximize their championship window.
The fact that there is a cost-effective way for Kansas City to rid itself of Gray only makes the decision that much clearer. Should the Chiefs release Gray after June 1, the team would open up $5.5 million in cap space while suffering a dead cap hit of just $1.5 million.
If Kelce is back, that is money that can be used to bring in a more suitable TE2 option. Kansas City could also elect to target a TE in the draft, providing them a year of tutelage from Kelce, while the Chiefs push for one last run with their future Hall of Fame tight end.
Any competitor wants to put their best foot forward before calling it quits, and Kelce seems to be no different. He could walk away from football right now and enjoy the rest of his life just fine being married to one of the biggest pop stars on the planet.
Russini's reporting suggests that Kelce isn't content with that being his story's end, though. While this development is exciting for Chiefs fans, it is understandably disappointing for Gray.