Kansas City Chiefs are set to sign JuJu Smith-Schuster with Andy Reid swooping for a new weapon for Patrick Mahomes just 10 days before the season starts.
Smith-Schuster parted ways with New England Patriots earlier in August. And now, according to multiple reports Monday morning, he has clinched a return to Kansas City, who are aiming for an historic Super Bowl ‘three-peat’ this season.
The 27-year-old played for the Chiefs in their first Super Bowl win on that run – the 38-35 win over Philadelphia Eagles in 2023 – making him a new teammate to Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes and co. for a second time.
Smith-Schuster originally signed for the Chiefs in 2022, going on to haul in 78 passes for 933 yards and three touchdowns during the regular season.
That impressive output led to his decision to chase the open market, inking a lucrative three-year, $25.5 million deal with the New England Patriots.
However, injuries and inconsistency marred his spell in New England. In 11 games last season, he recorded just 29 catches for 260 yards and a lone score, leading to the Patriots’ decision to part ways with him already and setting up a reunion with the Chiefs.
The move could be an insurance plan for Reid with Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown a current cause for concern for the head coach.
Brown is currently recovering from a shoulder injury he sustained during his preseason debut and it’s unclear when he will be healthy to make his regular-season debut.
With Brown sidelined, Kansas City has been running with Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Justin Watson atop the depth chart during preseason.
Rice is also facing unresolved legal woes amid an investigation into his involvement in a 119mph car crash in Dallas, Texas.
Kansas City is set to kickstart its quest for a historic Super Bowl ‘three-peat’ 10 days from now, facing the Baltimore Ravens on September 5 in an AFC Championship game rematch.
Smith-Schuster was a second-round pick by Pittsburgh in 2017, made the Pro Bowl with the Steelers in 2018 during five seasons and won Super Bowl LVII with the Chiefs.
