The Kansas City Chiefs are bolstering their offense ahead of their quest for a three-peat with the addition of wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Smith-Schuster, who was part of the Chiefs team that won Super Bowl 2023, is re-signing with Kansas City after being released by the Patriots. Despite signing a three-year, $25.5 million contract with New England, Smith-Schuster had a disappointing season with just 29 catches for 260 yards and one touchdown due to a knee issue and a lackluster offense under coach Bill Belichick.
Belichick’s successor, Jerod Mayo, cited Smith-Schuster’s knee issue as part of the reason for his release, while also wanting to give younger receivers more opportunities. Mayo expressed wishes for Smith-Schuster to get healthy and emphasized that the receiver still has a lot to offer on the field. Smith-Schuster is rejoining a Chiefs’ receiver room filled with talent that includes Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Marquise Brown, Mecole Hardman, and others, all vying for targets behind star tight end Travis Kelce.
Although Smith-Schuster’s return brings experience and depth to the Chiefs’ receiving corps, there are challenges ahead for the team. They are preparing for a potential suspension for Rice, who was involved in a car crash and was accused of assaulting someone during the offseason. In the 2022 season with the Chiefs, Smith-Schuster recorded 78 catches for 933 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games, adding 10 catches for 89 yards in three playoff games.
A former second-round pick by the Steelers in 2017, Smith-Schuster spent five seasons in Pittsburgh, where he excelled as a Pro Bowler in 2018 with 111 catches, 1,426 yards, and seven touchdowns. Over his tenure with the Steelers, Smith-Schuster amassed 3,855 yards and 26 touchdowns, showcasing his impact as a reliable receiver. His experience and proven track record add a valuable dimension to the Chiefs’ offense as they aim to secure another Super Bowl victory under the leadership of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
