Heading into the 2026 offseason, it was fair to expect the Kansas City Chiefs would make a meaningful addition at tight end. Travis Kelce is only getting older, and Noah Gray was coming off a truly alarming 2025 performance. While free agency offered no notable additions, there was still an upcoming draft class where Kansas City would have the opportunity to add competition for the struggling Gray. Instead, the franchise opted to utilize its picks at other positions and leave Gray shockingly unscathed.
Jared Wiley remains the third depth option, making Gray clearly far and away the team's second option behind Kelce. This is after a season in which the pass catcher had only 178 receiving yards, offering a career low in catch percentage. Gray so often appeared overmatched and was unable to deliver when the Chiefs badly needed a surprise producer to emerge.
Still, it seems that Kansas City's decision-makers are signaling confidence in the tight end moving forward, and the draft decisions reflect this fact. Gray will be given a shot at redemption and another year to prove he should be considered a viable option after Kelce retires. This is a huge sigh of relief for a player who gave the team every reason to consider moving on or, at the very least, providing competition.
The draft did offer late-round picks at quarterback, running back, and receiver, giving the team a trio of interesting potential contributors. Having a trio of offensive picks made, with none of them a threat to Gray, is as surprising as anything seen during the draft.
Chiefs Hand Noah Gray a Shot at 2026 Redemption with Draft Decisions
Gray's best season came in 2024 when the pass catcher piled up 437 receiving yards and appeared to be an incredibly reliable second option. This is the version of Gray that the franchise was expecting to return and, at least, still believes can be found in 2026. Opting not to add to the position in the draft or in free agency signals a surprising level of confidence.
For Gray, this has to feel great, but it comes with clear strings and serves as a reminder of the work ahead for the veteran. The Chiefs have an incredible system that has been given new life with the return of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Another year like 2025, though, and not only will the Chiefs move on, but Gray will find it increasingly difficult to find a new landing spot.
There is no questioning that the draft decisions were a win for Gray, but it is a win that comes with clear expectations. The pass catcher now must live up to Kansas City's confidence or face a difficult road. Considering the rest of Gray's career, there is every reason to believe the tight end can improve after the 2025 season, proving worthy of the Chiefs' confidence.
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