JuJu Smith-Schuster Returns to Chiefs After Brief Stint with Patriots

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs have finalized contract terms with wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on Monday. Smith-Schuster, who played a pivotal role in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl championship team in 2022, was in uniform and actively participating in practice with the team.

During his only season with the Chiefs, Smith-Schuster recorded 78 receptions for a total of 933 yards. Following the Super Bowl win, he left the Chiefs as a free agent and subsequently signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the New England Patriots, marking a significant move during the team’s transition under the former regime led by Bill Belichick.

In his single season with the Patriots, Smith-Schuster caught 29 passes, amassing 260 yards and scoring one touchdown across 11 games. However, this month, he was released by the team after a challenging season in which he struggled to find consistent production.

At the age of 27, Smith-Schuster spent the first five seasons of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His most productive year came in 2018 when he recorded an impressive 111 receptions for 1,426 yards. Additionally, he had another notable season in 2020, with 97 catches.

As the Chiefs look to bolster their wide receiver lineup for the current season, they have also acquired veteran free agent and drafted a player in the first round. However, the team faces challenges as one of their key receivers, Brown, dislocated his shoulder during the preseason opener, raising uncertainties regarding his availability for the regular season opener against the Detroit Lions on September 5.