Travis Kelce is about to be ‘replaced’ by a breakout Chiefs star who has earned Patrick Mahomes’ trust

Are dramatic changes underway in Kansas City?

Lapresse

Drafting sensibly and sustainably has helped the Kansas City Chiefs maintain their dynasty in the NFL. The Chiefs‘ depth will remain crucial as the team chases a third consecutive Super Bowl title — which would be a first in NFL history.

Despite their AFC-best 9-1 record, there are slight problems bubbling beneath the surface that the Chiefs know they have to address in order to stay on track. Notably, the inconsistency of franchise legend Travis Kelce in his age-35 season has been cited as an issue, with many observers wondering if the three-time Super Bowl champion has started to decline — and where, or even how, Kansas City can replace him.

Noah Gray points the way toward the Chiefs’ future

The Chiefs clearly knew what they were doing when they signed tight end Noah Gray to a three-year contract extension back in September, shortly before the 2024 NFL season commenced. That $19.5 million extension already appears to be below market value, as Gray is on pace for a career year — despite being behind Kelce on the offensive depth chart.

In 10 games (six starts), Gray has caught 23 passes from 26 targets and racked up 249 receiving yards — 56 yards shy of his 2023 mark. The former fifth-round pick hauled in his first two touchdown grabs of the year on Sunday, giving Kansas City a silver lining from its defeat to the Buffalo Bills.

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Most importantly for Gray, his work has not gone unnoticed by quarterback Patrick Mahomes — who said Gray has learned a lot from Kelce about how to get himself open and how to be a professional in everything he does.

Just like his mentor and inspiration Kelce (a former third-round draft pick), Gray was an unfancied prospect who had to work his way up and earn a place in the Chiefs’ offense. Now regarded as a vital contributor — even as Kelce’s backup — to the Kansas City Super Bowl dynasty, the 25-year-old Gray might only be scratching the surface of his playing ceiling. That should frighten the rest of the AFC, as many other contenders have been waiting patiently for Kelce to “fall off” and for the Chiefs to lose one of their longstanding franchise pillars.