With Seven Tight Ends on Their Roster, the Kansas City Chiefs Head into Training Camp Focused on Competition, Depth, and Versatility

The Kansas City Chiefs are once again entering the NFL season with a championship mindset, but this year’s training camp brings a fascinating subplot that fans and analysts alike will be watching closely — the tight end room. Remarkably, the reigning Super Bowl champions are carrying seven tight ends into training camp, a clear signal that competition, depth, and versatility will define this phase of preparation for Andy Reid’s squad.

In recent years, the Chiefs have become synonymous with elite tight end play, thanks largely to future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce. The nine-time Pro Bowler has been the cornerstone of Kansas City’s offense alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes, providing both production and leadership. But with Kelce turning 35 this season, the Chiefs’ front office and coaching staff are clearly planning ahead while also ensuring maximum competition in one of the league’s most vital offensive positions.

Carrying seven tight ends into camp is rare by NFL standards. Typically, teams maintain three to four at most during the regular season, with additional players brought in during the offseason for depth and evaluation. The Chiefs, however, are pushing the envelope by stockpiling talent, fostering a competitive atmosphere where roster spots will be earned, not given.

At the top of the depth chart is Kelce, whose presence alone elevates expectations in the tight end room. Despite battling injuries during stretches of last season, Kelce proved he still has gas in the tank. His chemistry with Mahomes is unparalleled, and his ability to find soft spots in defenses, convert critical downs, and lead by example makes him indispensable.

But the team knows it must prepare for life beyond Kelce, whether that reality arrives in a year or three. That preparation starts now.

Behind Kelce is a mix of youth, experience, and raw potential. One of the more intriguing names is Noah Gray, the former fifth-round pick who has quietly carved out a solid role in Kansas City’s offense. Gray has showcased reliable hands, strong blocking ability, and the versatility to line up in multiple positions — traits highly valued in Andy Reid’s dynamic system. With each passing season, Gray has grown more confident, and this year’s camp offers him a prime opportunity to solidify his status as Kelce’s eventual successor.

Then there’s Jody Fortson, a fan favorite whose size and athleticism have flashed during limited opportunities. Standing 6-foot-6, Fortson offers a red-zone mismatch and special teams value. Injuries have unfortunately hampered his availability, but if he can stay healthy during camp, his physical tools and familiarity with the offense could secure him a roster spot once again.

The Chiefs also brought in several new faces to deepen the competition, including undrafted rookies and journeymen aiming to crack the league’s most competitive roster. One such player is Jared Wiley, the towering prospect out of TCU. Wiley turned heads with his combination of size, hands, and blocking prowess at the collegiate level, and he enters camp determined to prove he belongs. Though raw, his potential as a developmental project is undeniable, and the Chiefs have a history of nurturing such talent.

Blake Bell, affectionately known as the “Belldozer,” returns with his veteran savvy and blocking expertise. Bell’s ability to function as a sixth offensive lineman in heavy sets provides invaluable versatility, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations. His presence is a reminder that the Chiefs value both flash and fundamentals when building out the tight end group.

Rounding out the room are developmental prospects eager to make their mark, including Izaiah Gathings and Matt Bushman. Gathings, a former wide receiver converted to tight end, boasts intriguing athleticism, though he remains a work in progress from a blocking standpoint. Bushman, meanwhile, has battled injuries but carries the reputation of a reliable pass-catcher with refined route-running skills when healthy.

The decision to stockpile seven tight ends is reflective of several key factors driving the Chiefs’ offseason strategy. First, versatility is paramount in today’s NFL. Tight ends who can line up in-line, flex into the slot, or even operate as H-backs give offenses a schematic advantage. Andy Reid’s system thrives on unpredictability, and having multiple tight ends with diverse skill sets expands the playbook and keeps defenses guessing.

Second, the special teams dimension cannot be overlooked. Depth at tight end directly bolsters units like kickoff coverage, punt return, and field goal protection. Players fighting for back-end roster spots often secure their futures by excelling on special teams — a reality that further heightens the importance of this position battle.

Third, the grueling nature of the NFL season demands depth. Injuries are inevitable, and maintaining a deep, prepared tight end group ensures the offense doesn’t miss a beat when adversity strikes. Last season provided ample examples of how critical depth is, with players like Gray and Fortson stepping up when called upon.

Training camp will be the proving ground for these tight ends, and every rep, block, route, and catch will be scrutinized. The coaching staff will be evaluating not only talent but also football IQ, durability, and how each player elevates those around them. Mahomes’ trust is another crucial element. Tight ends who establish chemistry with the MVP quarterback in camp often see their stock rise, given how much Mahomes relies on timing and precision.

Beyond individual competition, the tight end battle reflects the broader philosophy that has kept the Chiefs atop the NFL hierarchy. General manager Brett Veach and Andy Reid prioritize stacking talent, fostering internal competition, and planning for the future while maximizing the present. It’s a delicate balance, but one that has yielded three Super Bowl appearances and two championships in the Mahomes era.

Fans should expect spirited battles, surprise standouts, and perhaps even tough roster decisions as camp unfolds. The numbers game suggests the Chiefs will ultimately carry three, maybe four tight ends into the regular season, leaving several talented players on the bubble. Injuries, preseason performances, and special teams contributions will likely separate the contenders from the pretenders.

In the meantime, the presence of seven tight ends at camp sends a clear message — the Chiefs are leaving nothing to chance. Every roster spot must be earned. No player, outside of Kelce, is untouchable. And the drive to remain champions demands competition at every level.

As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on St. Joseph, Missouri, where the Chiefs will once again lay the foundation for another Super Bowl run. In the spotlight? A crowded, talented, and hungry tight end room ready to battle for their place on the NFL’s premier roster. And with the game evolving, the tight end position remains one of the most critical chess pieces in the Chiefs’ quest for sustained dominance.

The depth chart will eventually narrow, but until then, the competition promises to be fierce — just the way the Chiefs like it.