The Chiefs agreed to a surprise contract extension just hours before their Week 1 game against the Baltimore Ravens, signing TE Noah Gray to a three-year, $19.5 million deal.
After Kansas City selected promising TCU star Jared Wiley in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, it was assumed that Gray would leave after this season. Obviously, Brett Veach and the front office had other plans and Gray is now under contract for the foreseeable future.
Since being selected in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Gray has established himself as a reliable pass catcher and blocker – valuable traits for an offense that loves tight ends as much as Andy Reid’s.
The #bosses and TE Noah Gray have agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $19.5 million, the source said. He will receive a $6 million signing bonus and $10 million guaranteed upon signing.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) 5 September 2024
During his three-year career with the Chiefs, Gray has 63 catches for 640 yards and four touchdowns, filling in for Travis Kelce in the few moments the future Hall of Fame tight end was out, though there are understandably questions about his contract extension.
Kansas City just selected Wiley, with many fans assuming he would take over Kelce’s role when he retires. If Gray is here for three more years, does that mean Gray is indeed Kelce’s final successor?
There is no doubt that Gray is a reliable tight end who has earned the franchise’s trust. While he lacks the athletic potential that Wiley possesses, the organization clearly has big plans for him.
Whether this means anything for Wiley and the rest of the tight end team remains to be seen, but it’s a surprising development coming so close to such an important Week 1 matchup.
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