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The Kansas City Chiefs have finally added that all-important third playmaker for Patrick Mahomes, and his name is JuJu Smith-Schuster.
The ex-Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver announced the news on Twitter on March 18, 2022, writing: “#ChiefsKingdom Let’s Go!”
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Chiefs Bolster Offense With Key 3rd Weapon
Shortly after Smith-Schuster broke the story, ESPN NFL insider Field Yates revealed the details of his new contract. It will be a “one-year, $10.75M deal with the Chiefs.”
About an hour and a half later, NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo tweeted that “the #Chiefs’ deal for WR JuJu Smith-Schuster comes in around $3 million on the base value with the rest of the $10.75 million max value [Ian Rapoport] reported coming in the form of incentives.”
The system works so much better with a third weapon for Mahomes. Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce are phenomenal talents, but even their numbers see a dip when two defenders are shadowing them all game.
On March 17, Kansas City lost Byron Pringle, who was arguably their third-best receiver in 2021 at times. Now, they fill the void by bringing in a former 1,400-yard playmaker.
NFL Network reporter Taylor Bisciotti detailed why Smith-Schuster wanted to be a Chief. She quoted: “I am going to play with a future Hall of Fame QB, to play with one of the best to ever do it. My goal as a player is to win, so I’m going to Kansas City with the hopes of winning a Super Bowl.”
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Reactions to the Deal
Many reacted to this big move from Brett Veach, just minutes after the breaking news that Deshaun Watson was headed to the Cleveland Browns during another wild NFL afternoon. Smith-Schuster himself took to Twitter to express gratitude to Steelers Nation.
The wide-out showed his appreciation to the city of Pittsburgh, voicing:
Thank you for taking me in and making me a part of the family from the moment I was drafted. You all took me in so quickly, and I really needed it. I was a wide-eyed 20-year old who was sent to the east coast away from my family for the first time in my life, and you made me feel right at home, despite all of the loneliness I should have felt. These have been the best five years in my life. I owe so much to the fans who embraced me and who made playing on Sundays in Pittsburgh so special. It was an honor to wear the black and gold for you all! I love you!
Mahomes was quick to respond with some Twitter hype, writing: “Turn me up brotha!!!”
Chiefs analysts and reporters reacted too. Brandon Kiley of 101ESPN’s “BK & Ferrario” noted, “Juju’s best work was done as a secondary pass catcher behind Antonio Brown. He now returns to that role next to Tyreek & Kelce. He’s perfect for what they needed, and they didn’t have to break the bank to get it done.”
Ron Kopp Jr. of Arrowhead Pride praised the addition as well. “I really like how Juju’s skills fit what the offense appeared to need last season — and I like the one-year deal, not preventing them from making a WR pick this year,” he explained. “#Chiefs are 2/2 on good mid-tier free-agent deals.”
Beat reporter Sam McDowell of The KC Star wrote, “Chiefs couldn’t escape the offseason without addressing their WR room. JuJu coming off a tough year with an injury.”
Finally, B/R Gridiron gave fans a little preview of the new-look Chiefs “stacked offense” in 2022. The AFC West may have bulked up this offseason, but don’t assume KC is worried.
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