The Chiefs' offense lives and dies by the Patrick Mahomes-Travis Kelce connection.
The two future Hall-of-Famers have won three Super Bowls in Kansas City, including back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024. That tandem isn't going anywhere just yet, but the Chiefs may have found Kelce's successor when he does retire.
The Chiefs drafted tight end Jared Wiley out of TCU late in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He immediately becomes another weapon for the Chiefs as they look to complete the unprecedented Super Bowl three-peat.
Wiley could play a more significant role in the future, however.
Kelce hasn't seriously discussed retirement, but the tight end is 34 and on the back end of his career. Kelce previously mentioned on The New Heights podcast that he'd retire if coach Andy Reid retired, but Reid just signed a five-year extension with the Chiefs.
"I'm not playing for anybody else but Big Red," Kelce said. "If he calls it quits this year, I'm out of there with him, man."
The Sporting News provides all the information you need regarding Wiley and how he fits on the Chiefs roster.
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Who is Jared Wiley?
Wiley is a 6-6, 248-pound tight end from TCU. He spent five years in college — two years at TCU after three at Texas.
Wiley was arguably TCU's best pass catcher, racking up a team-high 47 receptions and eight touchdowns. He also has solid speed considering his size, and he can block well when not route running.
It's a similar skill set to Chiefs current tight end Kelce, but Wiley is not quite as dynamic of an athlete.
Kansas City Chiefs TE depth chart
1. Travis Kelce
Kelce is the clear-cut No. 1 tight end for the Chiefs and remains the best tight end in the NFL.
He dipped below 1,000 receiving yards last season for the first time since 2015, but he's still an elite threat in the passing game. Kelce will be the top tight end for the Chiefs essentially until he retires.
NFL DRAFT RANKINGS: QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | EDGE
2. Noah Gray
The second tight end for the Chiefs depth chart is up for grabs. Kansas City drafted Gray in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and he's entering the last year of his rookie contract.
He's currently the favorite to be the No. 2 tight end behind Kelce, but that could change depending on how Wiley performs in training camp and preseason.
Gray played in all 17 games last season, tallying 28 receptions, two touchdowns, and 305 yards.
3. Jared Wiley
Wiley initially slides in as the Chiefs' third tight end, but he's a strong possibility to land in the backup role if he impresses during training camp and preseason.
He'll give Mahomes another big target and blocker when utilized.
4. Irv Smith Jr.
Kansas City signed Irv Smith Jr. to a one-year deal during free agency for tight end depth. He likely won't see much time now that the Chiefs drafted Wiley.
Jared Wiley stats
| Year | School | Games | Receptions | Receiving yards | Receiving TDs |
| 2019 | Texas | 12 | 1 | 15 | 0 |
| 2020 | Texas | 9 | 9 | 166 | 1 |
| 2021 | Texas | 11 | 9 | 67 | 2 |
| 2022 | TCU | 15 | 24 | 245 | 4 |
| 2023 | TCU | 12 | 47 | 520 | 8 |
