“We got a lot done,” Andy Reid said during the conference, brushing off the weight of another intense day at camp. At 67, with a fresh adjustment to the FRA and a contract locked through 2028, he’s not just showing up; he’s laying down the groundwork for what’s next. And if you know Reid, you know ‘getting work done’ rarely means business as usual. The future of key positions has been a lingering concern, and Reid seems to have taken a step toward solving one of them. No announcements. No headlines. But behind the scenes, he definitely got something important done.
It turns out that Andy Reid didn’t just plan for Sundays; he planned for the someday. The Chiefs’ updated depth chart quietly confirmed it—Noah Gray is now the official backup to Travis Kelce. With retirement whispers swirling and Kelce inching closer to the inevitable goodbye, the moment feels real. Head coach Andy Reid, speaking about his retirement, chose his words carefully and said, “You hope he plays forever … but that’s probably not gonna happen to any of us.” It’s as honest as it is heavy, especially for a fanbase not ready to imagine Sundays without 87.
And now, signs of that “someday” are starting to show. Kelce enters the final year of his $34.2 million deal looking noticeably leaner, down nearly 25 pounds this offseason. It’s a version of him that’s faster, sharper, and fully dialed in. But it also feels like the mindset of a veteran who knows the clock is ticking. His focus? Ending strong, chasing one more ring, and leaving no sour taste behind. That sense of urgency has nudged the Chiefs to look ahead, and in Noah Gray, they might already have their answer.
Gray’s rise isn’t just timely—it’s been quietly brewing. In 10 games, he’s already grabbed 23 passes for 249 yards, just a whisper away from his 2023 total. His two touchdown catches against the Bills came in a loss, sure, but for Gray, they were proof of growth. Patrick Mahomes noticed, too, saying Gray’s been soaking up knowledge from Kelce. And let’s be honest, if Mahomes is paying attention, everyone else probably should be too.
Gray’s journey has echoes of the one Kelce once walked. Drafted in 2021, he fought his way from a rookie deal to a $19.5 million extension that ironically already feels like a steal. He’s been durable, smart, and sneaky good. The Chiefs know it, and the AFC should start taking notes. If Kelce really is entering his twilight, Noah Gray might just be the dawn, and fittingly, he’s learning from the very best.
Travis Kelce shifts roles at camp while Reid builds for what’s ahead
Inside the Chiefs’ locker room, there’s a shift happening; Travis Kelce is no longer just the guy making the plays; he’s the one teaching how to finish them. Former Chiefs TE Jason Dunn saw it firsthand at camp. “I watched him, caught a ball, catching it, and he’s finishing, He’s finishing every play, going to go score,” Dunn said on an episode of Chiefs Concern. For the younger tight ends, that’s the blueprint. Kelce’s not slowing down; he’s speeding up the next wave behind him.
Dunn didn’t need a full scouting report to know what’s happening in Kansas City. “The man’s having fun—and it shows,” he said. Kelce’s fast and locked in, but what stands out even more is what happens after the catch. The younger guys? Still learning to complete the moment. But with Kelce leading every rep like it’s game day, that learning curve is shrinking. The message is simple: if you’re not finishing, you’re not ready.
“Travis is doing the same thing. Pat is doing the same thing. They’re just leading the young guys on how they should do it… It takes the vets.” That line from Dunn says it all. It’s not about flash; it’s about repetition, intention, and standard. Like Vrabel schooling Drake Maye, Kelce’s presence is a masterclass. He is no longer just making plays; he’s setting the tone. When the huddle breaks, his impact stays. That’s not something you teach—it’s something you live.
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