TE Noah Gray, KC (1 Viewer)

[satch]

KC values the position because they have a hall of famer in there right now.

To be honest, with Reid at the helm this offense may completely shift gears once Kelce slows down or retires. The Chiefs kept 7 receivers this year - normally they keep 6. It could be an outlier that means nothing but everything Reid does is SOMETHING.

And to me, this tells me he's thinking about the next evolution. We may find out tomorrow night a little bit. But I don't think Gray is going to be anything special. He's just another chess piece.

I agree with this.

I don't think Mahommes has eyes for the TE position, he has eyes for Kelce--arguably the best to ever do it.

Of course, but that connection is ingrained into Mahomes thought process. He’s used to looking for his TE in certain spots on the field in certain situations. If Kelce is out, that instinct doesn’t vanish overnight. Particularly when Mahomes doesn’t have any great, proven, reliable secondary options.

If Gray can simply run the right routes, and be in the right spots at the right times, Mahomes doesn’t have to change a thing. Heck, he could just step right into the Kelce role. They’ll presumably call fewer plays for Gray than Kelce, but again, half of Kelce’s production is still a high-end TE. 75% of Kelce production is probably overall TE1. 25% of Kelce production is probably about what most of us get from TE anyway.

 

[kyoun1e]

KC values the position because they have a hall of famer in there right now.

To be honest, with Reid at the helm this offense may completely shift gears once Kelce slows down or retires. The Chiefs kept 7 receivers this year - normally they keep 6. It could be an outlier that means nothing but everything Reid does is SOMETHING.

And to me, this tells me he's thinking about the next evolution. We may find out tomorrow night a little bit. But I don't think Gray is going to be anything special. He's just another chess piece.

I agree with this.

I don't think Mahommes has eyes for the TE position, he has eyes for Kelce--arguably the best to ever do it.

Of course, but that connection is ingrained into Mahomes thought process. He’s used to looking for his TE in certain spots on the field in certain situations. If Kelce is out, that instinct doesn’t vanish overnight. Particularly when Mahomes doesn’t have any great, proven, reliable secondary options.

If Gray can simply run the right routes, and be in the right spots at the right times, Mahomes doesn’t have to change a thing. Heck, he could just step right into the Kelce role. They’ll presumably call fewer plays for Gray than Kelce, but again, half of Kelce’s production is still a high-end TE. 75% of Kelce production is probably overall TE1. 25% of Kelce production is probably about what most of us get from TE anyway.

I'd bet on Gray more than say, L. Musgrave.

Mahommes + shootout potential with the Lions...who knows...could go 5-50-2.

 

[The Frankman]

Noah Gray caught 3-of-5 targets for 31 yards in the Chiefs’ Week 1 loss to the Lions.

With Travis Kelce sidelined, Gray tied for the team lead in targets, but he didn’t do anything with them. In fact, one of Gray’s missed connections was his most notable, as he made a classic “business decision” to avoid an admittedly crushing hit. Smart for Gray’s health, but not the sort of thing that is going to keep him involved once Kelce returns, perhaps as early as Week 2 against the Jaguars.

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

Noah Gray caught 3-of-5 targets for 31 yards in the Chiefs’ Week 1 loss to the Lions.

With Travis Kelce sidelined, Gray tied for the team lead in targets, but he didn’t do anything with them. In fact, one of Gray’s missed connections was his most notable, as he made a classic “business decision” to avoid an admittedly crushing hit. Smart for Gray’s health, but not the sort of thing that is going to keep him involved once Kelce returns, perhaps as early as Week 2 against the Jaguars.

I thought I would be checking in to call out that first half business decision. Kind of surprised that they made that the narrative without any mention of the broken tackle RAC, which had potential for a bigger fantasy payday.

Had him rostered in dynasty at various points of the season last year as Kelce insurance. It was heartbreaking having to cut him loose before kickoff and then root against any big performance that would make him impossible to get back. However, it became a lot easier to root against him after not going up for that ball. Almost unfathomable for a guy working behind Kelce for two seasons that just got his big break on a giant national stage. But give him credit for rescuing his day with the broken tackle.

 

[pecorino]

I didn’t get to see the game. Is he starting to break out?

 

[Faust]

PJ Green

You can easily see why #Chiefs TE Noah Gray got the extension that he did. Team has made him a key part of the offense and he’s on pace to set a career highs in several categories in his 4th season.

x.com

x.com

 

[Uncle Leo]

He’s the new Kelce. Minus the the whole “Shake it off” thing.

 

[Faust]

How Noah Gray has become the Chiefs' other key tight end

 

[JohnnyU]

How Noah Gray has become the Chiefs' other key tight end

Lots of fantasy folks were writing Gray off as the heir apparent to Kelce in favor of Jared Wiley before Wiley got hurt. I believe that was incorrect.

 

[cockroach]

How Noah Gray has become the Chiefs' other key tight end

Lots of fantasy folks were writing Gray off as the heir apparent to Kelce off in favor of Jared Wiley before Wiley got hurt. I believe that was incorrect.

Hindsight is 20/20. He got a few chances to flash with Kelce missing games last year and did nothing with the opportunity.

 

[Faust]

Patrick Mahomes to Noah Gray for early Chiefs TD vs. Panthers

 

[Uncle Leo]

Becoming a must start now.

 

[Truebluey]

Becoming a must start now.

No kidding. I may have to try and pick him up.

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

Very surprised that a $0 faab bid got it done in dynasty. 4 TDs and 8 receptions in two weeks is enough to rekindle my interest in what life after Kelce might look like. Might even be able to trade him to a playoff team this year if he puts up another strong fantasy score.

 

[Pickle Rody]

I'm making a bid for him this week. My FBG Bowl league is tough, with 12 very active owners. I'll be lucky if he slips to me. It is not imperative that I get him as I have 2 other TE's but, I'd like to keep him away from other playoff contenders.

 

[TartanLion]

I’ve owned Gray for about 2 years and happened to trade for Kelce as part of a bigger deal about a month ago. Kelce started off on an absolute tear for me and I’m still happy starting him but this is a TE premium league so … To start Gray in a flex spot or not ?? It’s a tough one and feels like I’ll get bit if I try to do that

 

[zamboni]

Very surprised that a $0 faab bid got it done in dynasty. 4 TDs and 8 receptions in two weeks is enough to rekindle my interest in what life after Kelce might look like. Might even be able to trade him to a playoff team this year if he puts up another strong fantasy score.

Smart to get ahead of this. All the signs are pointing to him being the guy once Kelce retires, which could be as soon as this offseason: high snap counts even with Kelce on the field plus a team commitment in terms of a contract extension (3 yrs/$18 mln) a few months ago.

 

[Birdie048]

Very surprised that a $0 faab bid got it done in dynasty. 4 TDs and 8 receptions in two weeks is enough to rekindle my interest in what life after Kelce might look like. Might even be able to trade him to a playoff team this year if he puts up another strong fantasy score.

Smart to get ahead of this. All the signs are pointing to him being the guy once Kelce retires, which could be as soon as this offseason: high snap counts even with Kelce on the field plus a team commitment in terms of a contract extension (3 yrs/$18 mln) a few months ago.

I feel fortunate to have picked him up last week.... I had the only BB WW Claim ($18 of $200) as most bids went to Taysom Hill NOS (3 bids with $9 winner).
I was surprise I had the only claim; he was FA all season (except week 8)

Unfortunately I sat him this weekend... Played Bowers & Otton (TE+). Lost by 2

YTD 2024 --> 27 rec on 30 Targets with 4 TD puts him as TE#23 (Pts per game avg 7.14) in my TE + league (compared to TE#2 Bowers at 15 pt/game)
HE is all about the future ... Kelce has showed clear signs of age, but some might be "keeping him fresh" for the playoffs.

 

[WaltonGoggins]

Funny. Last weelk, in my 18 team league, I had Kincaid and needed to pick up his backup when waivers cleard but one team blocked me and picked him up first. Gesicki was also picked up. Felt very **** blockish. Anyways nothing was really left that I liked and thought Gray had a good week and they are going against a team fairly bad against TE AND if I get lucky again will play against another bad team vs TE week 13 so picked him up and he started. This was a must win and he was a huge reason why.
I am going with him again. For those also starting him lets hope another great day today. LFG!!!

Edit: also felt like if things went well with Thanksgiving could see limited action with Kelce. Will see.

 

[rockaction]

I dropped him after his snap share decreased one week, and boy do I regret it. He looks like the heir apparent to Kelce, who I don’t think is tremendously long for the game at this stage in his career. Gray looks dynamic.

 

[WaltonGoggins]

I dropped him after his snap share decreased one week, and boy do I regret it. He looks like the heir apparent to Kelce, who I don’t think is tremendously long for the game at this stage in his career. Gray looks dynamic.

Similar thinking plus it's not as if Gray is brand new to their offense I assumed Mahomes trusts him and why risk Kelce playing him full reps when they have a nice lead and need him more for playoffs. I could be wrong but does Kelce really act like football is his number 1 priority now with Swift relationship and singing that 100mm podcase deal? Can't help but think he's thinking more about his income after football.
That said he could have a great game today and Gray do very little. ha I am surprised how low his ranking from the "experts" was prior to last week game and this one. Looks like in PPR league aggregated fantasy site shows him as #22 ranked TE. It was much worse last week. Still head scratcher.

 

[WaltonGoggins]

Very surprised that a $0 faab bid got it done in dynasty. 4 TDs and 8 receptions in two weeks is enough to rekindle my interest in what life after Kelce might look like. Might even be able to trade him to a playoff team this year if he puts up another strong fantasy score.

Smart to get ahead of this. All the signs are pointing to him being the guy once Kelce retires, which could be as soon as this offseason: high snap counts even with Kelce on the field plus a team commitment in terms of a contract extension (3 yrs/$18 mln) a few months ago.

and yet the "experts" in aggregate continue to have him ranked outside top 20

 

[zamboni]

Kelce himself pumping up his compatriot:

x.com

x.com

 

[zamboni]

Very surprised that a $0 faab bid got it done in dynasty. 4 TDs and 8 receptions in two weeks is enough to rekindle my interest in what life after Kelce might look like. Might even be able to trade him to a playoff team this year if he puts up another strong fantasy score.

Smart to get ahead of this. All the signs are pointing to him being the guy once Kelce retires, which could be as soon as this offseason: high snap counts even with Kelce on the field plus a team commitment in terms of a contract extension (3 yrs/$18 mln) a few months ago.

and yet the "experts" in aggregate continue to have him ranked outside top 20

I think it’s based on the expectation that Kelce will give it another go next year.

 

[WaltonGoggins]

Very surprised that a $0 faab bid got it done in dynasty. 4 TDs and 8 receptions in two weeks is enough to rekindle my interest in what life after Kelce might look like. Might even be able to trade him to a playoff team this year if he puts up another strong fantasy score.

Smart to get ahead of this. All the signs are pointing to him being the guy once Kelce retires, which could be as soon as this offseason: high snap counts even with Kelce on the field plus a team commitment in terms of a contract extension (3 yrs/$18 mln) a few months ago.

and yet the "experts" in aggregate continue to have him ranked outside top 20

I think it’s based on the expectation that Kelce will give it another go next year.

That's understandable to a point but the "expert" aggregated ranking is for redraft leagues.

 

[JohnnyU]

Very surprised that a $0 faab bid got it done in dynasty. 4 TDs and 8 receptions in two weeks is enough to rekindle my interest in what life after Kelce might look like. Might even be able to trade him to a playoff team this year if he puts up another strong fantasy score.

Smart to get ahead of this. All the signs are pointing to him being the guy once Kelce retires, which could be as soon as this offseason: high snap counts even with Kelce on the field plus a team commitment in terms of a contract extension (3 yrs/$18 mln) a few months ago.

and yet the "experts" in aggregate continue to have him ranked outside top 20

I think it’s based on the expectation that Kelce will give it another go next year.

I hope Kelce retires. I’d like to see if Gray becomes a thing, or they pivot to another TE in the draft. Most here thought Wiley would be that guy, but that’s a low probability most likely.

 

[zamboni]

4-58 so far on 6 targets. Can’t complain too much about that, especially how much Mahomes is looking Kelce’s way as usual.

 

[Doug B]

4-58 so far on 6 targets. Can’t complain too much about that, especially how much Mahomes is looking Kelce’s way as usual.

in the third quarter, Gray caught a shovel pass inside the five. Didn’t score, but liked the play call.

 

[FarFromHome]

As someone who is still quite sad about the Dalton Kincaid debacle, I'll happily take 9.8 ppr points from this kid. Season high 6 targets. Was kinda assuming he was a hit or miss TD dependant option, so to get these numbers without a TD I'm quite thrilled.

 

[3nOut]

If Kelce decides to hang it up after the Super Bowl, where does Noah Gray rank next year?

 

[5-ish Finkle]

If Kelce decides to hang it up after the Super Bowl, where does Noah Gray rank next year?

Depends. Will he be dating Taylor Swift, or nah?

 

[Lansdowne]

If Kelce decides to hang it up after the Super Bowl, where does Noah Gray rank next year?

Saying this as a disgruntled Kyle Pitts dynasty owner who desperately needs a TE and wouldn’t mind if Noah Gray became a thing since I also stashed him. I don’t think Kelce is retiring until his contract expires at the end of next season. But if he were to, I think Gray would move up to the fantasy TE14-17 spot before any offseason changes alter the landscape. Would still rank Bowers, Kittle, McBride, LaPorta, Kraft, Hockenson, Andrews, Jonnu, Kincaid, Njoku, Engram, Ferguson, Otton ahead of him. Maybe Likely if Andrews is cut or traded, maybe Warren depending where he’s drafted, maybe Pitts if he’s traded to an ideal landing spot. Gray does not play like Kelce, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the Chiefs got their new TE1 from trade or the draft. Rice (assuming he doesn’t get suspended for most or all of next season) will likely be in the target hog role and catching those underneath passes that Kelce made a career out of. But if the Chiefs don’t make any significant additions in the event of a Kelce retirement, I suspect Gray would get some hype as a fantasy sleeper with top 10 TE upside.

 

[JohnnyU]

If Kelce decides to hang it up after the Super Bowl, where does Noah Gray rank next year?

Saying this as a disgruntled Kyle Pitts dynasty owner who desperately needs a TE and wouldn’t mind if Noah Gray became a thing since I also stashed him. I don’t think Kelce is retiring until his contract expires at the end of next season. But if he were to, I think Gray would move up to the fantasy TE14-17 spot before any offseason changes alter the landscape. Would still rank Bowers, Kittle, McBride, LaPorta, Kraft, Hockenson, Andrews, Jonnu, Kincaid, Njoku, Engram, Ferguson, Otton ahead of him. Maybe Likely if Andrews is cut or traded, maybe Warren depending where he’s drafted, maybe Pitts if he’s traded to an ideal landing spot. Gray does not play like Kelce, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the Chiefs got their new TE1 from trade or the draft. Rice (assuming he doesn’t get suspended for most or all of next season) will likely be in the target hog role and catching those underneath passes that Kelce made a career out of. But if the Chiefs don’t make any significant additions in the event of a Kelce retirement, I suspect Gray would get some hype as a fantasy sleeper with top 10 TE upside.

Even if Kelce retired, and it appears he won't, I would rather have someone like a Tucker Kraft over Noah Gray. I agree with your list of players you would take over Gray if Kelce retired, with the possible exception of Ferguson. I'm not a big fan of Ferguson. A TE that I think people are sleeping on is Brenton Strange. I think he has more long term potential than Gray. You bring up a good point about Gray. He does not play like Kelce and I seem to remember when Kelce got hurt he didn't do much. That's not to say he wouldn't have some production if Kelce retired, but I don't think he's a top end TE that people think he could be in the KC offense. There is plenty of other talent on the KC offense that they will pivot to that you mentioned. I believe any hype that Noah Gray would get if he was the KC starter would be overblown. I like Gray as a servicable TE, but not as a star once Kelce is gone. If they draft Loveland I could see Gray on the waiver wire again.

 

[BigTex]

If Kelce decides to hang it up after the Super Bowl, where does Noah Gray rank next year?

Saying this as a disgruntled Kyle Pitts dynasty owner who desperately needs a TE and wouldn’t mind if Noah Gray became a thing since I also stashed him. I don’t think Kelce is retiring until his contract expires at the end of next season. But if he were to, I think Gray would move up to the fantasy TE14-17 spot before any offseason changes alter the landscape. Would still rank Bowers, Kittle, McBride, LaPorta, Kraft, Hockenson, Andrews, Jonnu, Kincaid, Njoku, Engram, Ferguson, Otton ahead of him. Maybe Likely if Andrews is cut or traded, maybe Warren depending where he’s drafted, maybe Pitts if he’s traded to an ideal landing spot. Gray does not play like Kelce, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the Chiefs got their new TE1 from trade or the draft. Rice (assuming he doesn’t get suspended for most or all of next season) will likely be in the target hog role and catching those underneath passes that Kelce made a career out of. But if the Chiefs don’t make any significant additions in the event of a Kelce retirement, I suspect Gray would get some hype as a fantasy sleeper with top 10 TE upside.

Even if Kelce retired, and it appears he won't, I would rather have someone like a Tucker Kraft over Noah Gray. I agree with your list of players you would take over Gray if Kelce retired, with the possible exception of Ferguson. I'm not a big fan of Ferguson. A TE that I think people are sleeping on is Brenton Strange. I think he has more long term potential than Gray. You bring up a good point about Gray. He does not play like Kelce and I seem to remember when Kelce got hurt he didn't do much. That's not to say he wouldn't have some production if Kelce retired, but I don't think he's a top end TE that people think he could be in the KC offense. There is plenty of other talent on the KC offense that they will pivot to that you mentioned. I believe any hype that Noah Gray would get if he was the KC starter would be overblown. I like Gray as a servicable TE, but not as a star once Kelce is gone. If they draft Loveland I could see Gray on the waiver wire again.

I know I might get scorched for this but this why I believe it will ultimately be Wiley in charge when that time comes.

Tex

 

[JohnnyU]

If Kelce decides to hang it up after the Super Bowl, where does Noah Gray rank next year?

Saying this as a disgruntled Kyle Pitts dynasty owner who desperately needs a TE and wouldn’t mind if Noah Gray became a thing since I also stashed him. I don’t think Kelce is retiring until his contract expires at the end of next season. But if he were to, I think Gray would move up to the fantasy TE14-17 spot before any offseason changes alter the landscape. Would still rank Bowers, Kittle, McBride, LaPorta, Kraft, Hockenson, Andrews, Jonnu, Kincaid, Njoku, Engram, Ferguson, Otton ahead of him. Maybe Likely if Andrews is cut or traded, maybe Warren depending where he’s drafted, maybe Pitts if he’s traded to an ideal landing spot. Gray does not play like Kelce, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the Chiefs got their new TE1 from trade or the draft. Rice (assuming he doesn’t get suspended for most or all of next season) will likely be in the target hog role and catching those underneath passes that Kelce made a career out of. But if the Chiefs don’t make any significant additions in the event of a Kelce retirement, I suspect Gray would get some hype as a fantasy sleeper with top 10 TE upside.

Even if Kelce retired, and it appears he won't, I would rather have someone like a Tucker Kraft over Noah Gray. I agree with your list of players you would take over Gray if Kelce retired, with the possible exception of Ferguson. I'm not a big fan of Ferguson. A TE that I think people are sleeping on is Brenton Strange. I think he has more long term potential than Gray. You bring up a good point about Gray. He does not play like Kelce and I seem to remember when Kelce got hurt he didn't do much. That's not to say he wouldn't have some production if Kelce retired, but I don't think he's a top end TE that people think he could be in the KC offense. There is plenty of other talent on the KC offense that they will pivot to that you mentioned. I believe any hype that Noah Gray would get if he was the KC starter would be overblown. I like Gray as a servicable TE, but not as a star once Kelce is gone. If they draft Loveland I could see Gray on the waiver wire again.

I know I might get scorched for this but this why I believe it will ultimately be Wiley in charge when that time comes.

Tex

Because he was a long shot before tearing his ACL. Even if Kelce retired, and it doesn't appear he will in 2025, Wiley probably wouldn't get much run this coming season. Even if he did, Gray would most certainly be the starter over Wiley. If they draft someone like Loveland, Wiley wouldn't have a chance at being more than a 3rd string TE, not even considering he has a lot of work ahead of him recovering from an ACL tear.