Returning to the Kansas City Chiefs is another familiar face for the 2025 season. Veteran wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster has signed a one-year deal to return to the team, per Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports.
Smith-Schuster originally got signed by Kansas City back in 2022 and played a key role in that year’s team securing Super Bowl LVII. Then his 2023 season was spent with the New England Patriots before he would go on to return to the Chiefs the following year. Now staying in Kansas City for another season.
Juju Smith-Schuster’s Impact on the Chiefs Offense
Juju Smith-Schuster despite only being a 28-years old is already quite a journeyman. On this team, his role is to provide quarterback Patrick Mahomes with another intermediate to down-the-field target. With his experience and physical playing style to both being vital assets to the Chiefs’ passing game, especially in short-yardage and red-zone situations.
In 2024, Smith-Schuster played in 14 games for the Chiefs, recording 18 receptions for 231 yards and two touchdowns. He served as an important depth piece in their rotation. His performance of the season came in Week 5, when Kansas City played the New Orleans Saints. He would help the Chiefs secure the victory with his seven catches for 130 yards.
Veteran Presence in the Locker Room
Besides his play on the field, Smith-Schuster is also able to support his teammates off the field with his leadership and experiences as well. The Chiefs’ top receivers are Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, two guys who are still very early into their careers. Both players will have another season to learn from their experiences both on and off the field.
Additionally, with the ongoing off-the-field concerns surrounding the Chiefs’ wide receivers, Juju Smith-Schuster could be asked to take on a larger role this upcoming season. While initially viewed as a depth piece, his role may expand depending on the team’s needs.
Postseason Contributions Matter
Over his career, Juju Smith-Schuster has proven his ability when given the opportunity. The most recent example was the 2024 playoffs, when he recorded four catches for 76 yards across three games, including key plays in the Chiefs’ AFC Championship victory over the Buffalo Bills.
His time in Kansas City has been a productive one, and his return only made sense for both sides. With his familiarity with Andy Reid’s system along with his comfort with the players in the locker room, his return to the team will be a seamless one, as the Chiefs continue building their roster for 2025.
Final Thoughts
Kansas City has made it clear to resign as many of their rotational players from a season ago during free agency with Juju Smith-Schuster being the latest. His chemistry with Mahomes, along with his experience in Reid’s system will allow for him to continue to be a key part of this offense moving forward.
While the official numbers of the contract are still not out yet, what is official is that Smith-Schuster will be back in Kansas City for the 2025 season, and will continue being a vital piece to this team.
