The 53-man roster comprises players with unique value to not only their specified position groups but also the value of the team. The Kansas City Chiefs kept several players and secured them long-term with the franchise.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes addressed the media on Wednesday, discussing tight end Noah Gray’s recent contract extension.

“He’s (Noah Gray) a good football player and he does a lot for us. He’s one of those guys that doesn’t get a whole lot of credit for all that he does but (he’s a) big time special teams player, great tight end. We do a bunch of double tight stuff plus he’s able to go in and spot (Travis) Kelce.” said Reid. “He comes out of games with quite a few snaps because of the special teams. You know, he’s a four-phase guy there, can do anything (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Dave (Toub) needs him to do there and is willing and he loves being here so – and a great guy on top of all that.”

Gray agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Chiefs before the Week 1 game against the Baltimore Ravens. The former fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft has made an impression on his franchise quarterback during his tenure.

He’s (Noah Gray) just a smart player. (He’s an) extremely smart player that does a lot of physical stuff that we need in this offense. He’s able to get himself open.

He makes the catches whenever he’s asked to do it, but (he’s) a guy that can just do it all.” said Mahomes. “You need those guys in order to win football games, and he’s one of those guys that he can come in for Travis (Kelce) in spots, and I have full confidence that he can go out there and make plays happen as well. He’s learned a ton behind Trav (Travis Kelce), and you can see him getting better and better each and every year. I was happy for him because he’s one of those guys that does it the right way and deserves the contract that he got.”

Gray has 63 catches for 640 yards and four touchdowns in three seasons in Kansas City. The new contract allows him to add and continue doing more for the franchise.