Outside of Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, it is clear that the 2026 offseason will see every single Kansas City Chiefs player and coach evaluated. No matter how things finish the rest of the way, it is clear that the 2025 season has been a clear failure. One that backup tight end Noah Gray has contributed to by having the worst season of his career. A to Z Sports' Charles Goldman harped on this point, noting that "Chiefs TE Noah Gray had an 81.6% completion rate in 2024. This year, the guy can't catch a cold."
This is a completely fair sentiment when you realize that Gray has caught only 54.8% of his targets this season. Gray is having a tough go putting up the lowest catch rate of his career and not matching the yardage production of the past two seasons. With this in mind, it seems clear that the Chiefs appear poised to explore a potential replacement in the 2025 offseason.
Already, you're likely going to be in the market for a starter with Travis Kelce appearing destined for retirement. Gray's poor performance demands that you make a move at the position even if Kelce opts to return. Free agent and draft options should both be on the table, with the understanding that the offense is badly in need of a facelift.
Chiefs Appear Ready to Move on From Noah Gray After Frustrating 2025 Performance
Austin Hooper and Taysom Hill are two expected free agents who could be worth exploring within Kansas City's offense. Both are unique weapons that could offer Mahomes an overlooked secondary option. Bringing in Hill could help solve KC's short-yardage questions, as well as give you a wildcat quarterback to run quarterback sneaks or gadget plays.
Regardless of who, Gray's level of play has made it beyond clear that the Chiefs are going to need to make a move. It is time to eliminate all the failing pieces that appear to be no longer contributing to building a dynasty. Whether this means a rotational piece like Gray, or a star player not living up to expectations. It is far from a hot take to point out that this franchise badly needs changes and a newfound sense of urgency.
For Gray, the tight end's experience playing under Reid and Mahomes will make him an enticing potential trade chip under contract for two more seasons. Even if the Chiefs are unable to trade the pass catcher, the franchise can easily move on without incurring a high-dollar dead cap hit. All of this sets up Gray as an obvious offseason problem to be solved by a devolving level of play the Chiefs cannot abide in what will be a pivotal offseason to keep the dynasty alive.