The Kansas City Chiefs have reached an agreement with Juju Smith-Schuster, a veteran wide receiver familiar with the team, just one day before the deadline for NFL teams to cut down their rosters to 53 players. A source familiar with the deal, who spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press, confirmed the news on Monday pending a physical examination.
Smith-Schuster had recently been released from the Patriots after one year into his three-year, $25 million contract. He had a successful season with the Chiefs in 2022, contributing 78 receptions for 933 yards and three touchdowns. His performance was instrumental in helping the team secure a Super Bowl victory, making seven catches for 53 yards in the championship game against the Eagles.
The Chiefs had struggled with productivity in their wide receiver corps last season, despite clinching their second consecutive Super Bowl title by defeating the 49ers. They sought to address this issue by signing Marquise Brown in free agency and drafting Xavier Worthy in the first round. However, Brown’s availability for the beginning of the season is in doubt following a shoulder dislocation during preseason.
In addition to Smith-Schuster, the Chiefs also have Rashee Rice, a player who emerged as a standout last year but has faced legal challenges in Texas. While there are no current indications of an NFL suspension before the season starts, such a penalty could still be imposed at a later time.
Among other wide receivers likely to secure spots on the team are Justin Watson, Skyy Moore, and Mecole Hardman, leaving one more wide receiver position open. Kadarius Toney has encountered issues with penalties, mental errors, and dropped passes during his time with the Chiefs, while Justyn Ross has struggled to capitalize on opportunities in the preseason.
The addition of Smith-Schuster would bring a veteran presence to a relatively young wide receiver group for the Chiefs. Over his seven seasons in the NFL, he has recorded 430 receptions for 5,048 yards and 30 touchdowns, with his standout season occurring in 2018 when he earned a Pro Bowl selection after tallying 111 catches for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns.
