Baby Kelce.

Now, “Baby Kelce” may sound like reverent praise, but Chiefs tight end Noah Gray is showing us why Brett Veach and the Kansas City front office locked him down with a 3-year, $18 million contract just hours before the season opener.

So far in 2024, Gray is averaging two receptions per game for 24 yards. Sure, those numbers won’t blow you away, but they don’t need to. As long as Travis Kelce is suited up in red and white, he’s going to command the lion’s share of targets. But Gray couldn’t ask for a better mentor than Kelce, and when the day comes for Travis to ride off into the sunset of his legendary career, Gray might just be the next man up to fill those Hall-of-Fame shoes.

For now, though, let's pump the brakes on the hypotheticals. Right now, Noah Gray is exactly what the Chiefs need—a reliable TE2. He can block, run routes, get open, and clearly has the trust of the coaching staff, as evidenced by his new deal. The guy does the dirty work and contributes in a way that doesn’t always light up the stat sheet but keeps the offense humming.

With injuries piling up to key offensive weapons like Pacheco, Rashee Rice, and Hollywood Brown, the Chiefs should start leaning on heavier personnel packages—especially two-tight end sets (12 personnel). This puts Gray in line for a much bigger role, stepping in as the number two receiving option at tight end. He’s not going to fill the stat sheet with 1,000-yard seasons, but if he can convert key third or fourth downs and keep the offense moving, that might be exactly what the Chiefs need.

In a season where Kansas City’s chasing an unprecedented three-peat, Noah Gray won’t be asked to replace Kelce’s production—but he doesn’t need to. He just needs to be that clutch player, making timely plays when called upon. If Gray continues to develop and carve out his niche, it’s a good thing Kansas City secured him before he had a breakout year. That kind of consistency could help push the Chiefs right back to the promised land.