Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes doesn't hand out trust easily. According to one Chiefs teammate, there is one quality that makes all the difference for any pass catcher hoping to earn it. 

Speaking on NFL Network's Good Morning Football on July 21, 2026, Chiefs TE Tre Watson said Mahomes builds trust with pass catchers who consistently are in the right place at the right time.

“Yeah, so the biggest thing would be, I would have to say, it’s consistency,” Watson said. “He’s big on, ‘Hey, I think you’re going to be here. Here’s where the ball is going to be at,’ and when he can see that consistently in practice, he’s going to gain confidence in you.” 

The TE also pointed to Mahomes' long-standing partnership with Travis Kelce as an example of what that trust looks like over time. 

“And I mean, the ball is going to come your way. I mean, look at him and 87 (Travis Kelce) right now,” Watson said on Good Morning Football. “As you see, they’re one of the best duos probably to do it, and they’re always on the same page. And that comes in practice and consistency.” 

Watson's point is backed up by what Mahomes has done over the years.

Since taking over as the Chiefs' starting quarterback in 2018, he has connected with Travis Kelce for more than 50 regular-season touchdowns, making them one of the NFL's most productive quarterback-tight end duos. 

Mahomes has shared a similar view in the past. Ahead of Super Bowl LVIII, he told SiriusXM NFL Radio that his chemistry with Kelce was built through years of practice and repetition. 

“Over that many amount of reps, I just know what he’s gonna do,” Mahomes said. “And so it just comes with hard work…so we kind of built that chemistry through practice and games.” 

Watson is entering his second season with Kansas City after signing with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL Draft. This offseason, he was among the players who received first-team reps during OTAs and mandatory minicamp. 

While Watson understands the importance of building trust with Mahomes, he will also have another area to prove during training camp.

Tre Watson highlights another training camp focus

During the same appearance on NFL Network's Good Morning Football, the second-year tight end said blocking remains just as important as making plays in the passing game. 

“My favorite (phrase) to say is, ‘Bite down at your mouthpiece and go hit somebody,’” Watson said. “I learned that early in college… and that’s kind of how I’m going into camp.” 

Making the 53-man roster will take more than his work with Mahomes. Watson also knows he needs to prove he can handle the physical side of the position by contributing as a blocker in both the running and passing game.

Heading into camp, Watson has identified what he needs to improve. Now, he will get the opportunity to show it on the field as he competes for a roster spot.

Do you think Tre Watson can earn a bigger role in the Chiefs’ offense this season? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by

Divyanshi Raj

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit