Chiefs bring back veteran WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
With the 2024 season opener quickly approaching, the Kansas City Chiefs future stabilized their wide receiver room by signing former Pro Bowl wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster.
The USC product spent last season with the New England Patriots after his lone year with the Chiefs, during which time he helped the franchise win a Super Bowl.
The Patriots released Smith-Schuster only after a year into his three-year, $25 million deal. He struggled to find consistency last season, posting 29 receptions for 260 receiving yards and one touchdown in 11 games.
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Through seven seasons, he has 430 catches for 5,048 receiving yards and 30 touchdowns in 90 regular season games.
Smith-Schuster struggled with nagging injuries that greatly impacted his performance. However, he has an opportunity to latch onto a stable role within the Chiefs’ offensive scheme.
The 27-year-old fit well into the Chiefs’ passing game in 2022, recording 78 catches for 933 receiving yards and three touchdowns. In three playoff games, he notched 10 receptions on 12 targets for 89 receiving yards.
Kansas City added more talent by signing Marquise Brown and drafted speedy wideout Xavier Worthy. Brown’s status for the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens is uncertain due to a dislocated shoulder he suffered in the preseason opener.
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Smith-Schuster’s arrival may put Kadarius Toney’s status with the Chiefs into further doubt. Meanwhile, it could also be a move that helps them brace for potential punishment for Rashee Rice.
Kansas City will continue to lean on star tight end Travis Kelce as a key element as Patrick Mahomes’ primary target.