Jason Dunn is urging the Kansas City Chiefs to ignore Noah Gray's recent statistical dip. The former tight end believes Gray's blocking and versatility remain vital as Travis Kelce enters his 14th NFL season.

With Travis Kelce returning for 14th NFL season leading the tight end room, Noah Gray keeps building his case as Kansas City’s trusted backup.

On Chiefs Concerns, the Wednesday episode, former Chiefs tight end Jason Dunn backed Noah Gray as a strong football player despite his dip from 437 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2024 to 178 yards and no touchdowns last season.

“I think Noah had a down year last year. What we've seen in previous years is his ability to go out and catch the football, but he also did a great job in blocking. I had the chance to talk to Noah last summer during training camp. Had a really good conversation, man. He's a really good dude." Dunn said.

Gray has quietly become one of the most reliable blockers in the Chiefs' offense. He entered the league as a pass-catching tight end out of Duke University, but he quickly developed into a player the Chiefs trust in the run game by mastering hand placement under the mentorship of veterans like Kelce and Blake Bell.

“So not just tight ends, but I do believe emphasising 12 and 13 personnel will be a threat. I think it’s something we have to utilise against certain teams." the former tight end added.

In NFL terms, 12 personnel means one running back and two tight ends, while 13 personnel means one running back and three tight ends.

These groupings pressure defences. Bigger defenders come in to stop the run, but that leaves slower linebackers in coverage. That gives Gray and Kelce space to work, while the Chiefs can run or use play action without tipping the play.

And, Dunn’s support could give Gray more confidence going into the next season.

Noah Gray Remains Part of Chiefs’ Tight End Plans

Noah Gray remains a stable part of the Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end group with the team that balances experience and depth for the upcoming season.

Travis Kelce is set for another season at age 36, and the Chiefs are planning around him while keeping their tight end group stable.. With Gray there are Jared Wiley and rookie John Michael Gyllenborg competing for depth roles.

Gray’s strongest year came in 2024, when he recorded 40 receptions with 49 receiving targets and looked like a good second option after Kelce. The team expected that level to return and still believes he can reach it again in 2026 after a disappointing season.

The system under offensive leadership gives Gray support, but he must respond with better production to keep his role safe in the long run with the Chiefs.

What do you think Dunn's trust in Gray is going to reflect on his upcoming performance ? Let us know your thoughts!

Read more at Kansas City Huddle!

Written by

Shreya Mishra

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi