Just before the start of the new NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs have added more to their offensive attack. The Chiefs are signing veteran wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, creating a reunion between the two sides.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero was one of the first to break the news on social media.
Smith-Schuster played for the Chiefs during the 2022 season, helping the team win the Super Bowl. He put up seven catches for 53 yards in the Super Bowl as the Chiefs took down the Philadelphia Eagles.
For the season, Smith-Schuster put up 78 catches for 933 yards and three touchdowns. He seemed to build a nice connection with star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, something that the two can continue to build off this season.
The veteran wideout left Kansas City for the New England Patriots last year, signing a lucrative three-year deal that was worth $33 million. However, things didn’t work out well with the Patriots and they released him earlier this offseason.
Read more: Patriots Are Releasing Former Super Bowl Champion JuJu Smith-Schuster
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images
Smith-Schuster only appeared in 11 games while with the Patriots last season. He posted 29 catches for 260 yards and one touchdown.
His fit with New England was never there and he could find chemistry with the New England quarterbacks. The former USC Trojan started off his career strong, making the Pro Bowl in 2018.
But he has come back down to earth over the last few seasons. He seemed to find a home with Kansas City during his lone season, making this signing strong for both sides.
For the Chiefs to add a player like Smith-Schuster right before the start of the season, it vastly helps to bolster their already strong wide receiver depth. However, it also helps the team have a placeholder until Marquise Brown can return to the lineup.
He suffered a sternoclavicular injury and had to be hospitalized a few weeks ago. Brown is likely to be out for at least 4-6 weeks so the signing of Smith-Schuster allows Kansas City to have someone in his place.
Alongside rookie Xavier Worthy, Skyy Moore, and others, Kansas City should be just fine. They also have star tight end Travis Kelce, giving them one of the better offensive attacks around the NFL.
Kansas City will be going for a three-peat, something no team in NFL history has done in the Super Bowl era. With Smith-Shuster now in the fold, the Chiefs have only put themselves closer to making it a reality.
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