KC Chiefs: JuJu Smith-Schuster is perfect free agent fit

Wide receiver will likely be a position of high priority this offseason for the Kansas City Chiefs as a reliable WR2 and third playmaker was a clear need for most of the season and this year’s free agent class will be filled with sexy and affordable options.

General manager Brett Veach has stressed the importance of adding weapons for Patrick Mahomes from day one and he even went out of his way just recently to point out Odell Beckham Jr.’s impact on the Los Angeles Rams who may or may not have been the difference between a Super Bowl.

Veach tried last offseason to add another pass catcher but the market didn’t quite work out but he’s going to look around once again and there’s a familiar name out there who was almost a Chief this time around last year who could be of interest.

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster is a perfect fit for KC Chiefs

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster will be a free agent once again this offseason after signing a one year deal to return to Pittsburgh despite having a rich Kansas City offer on the table.

After having a rough season in Pittsburgh for a multitude of reasons, Smith-Schuster didn’t boost his stock much at all so he shouldn’t even be all that expensive. If accurate, the Chiefs should be all over trying to get Smith-Schuster for a similar number for a season or two and see how things work.

On top of being affordable, Smith-Schuster provides one of the best fits in general for the Chiefs offense. While Smith-Schuster may not be the best receiver on the market—or even the best one the Chiefs can get—his fit is undeniable. He is a little bigger and can play the “X”, but he can also play inside and outside and understands how to play just about all receiver spots which is key for Andy Reid’s offense.

Smith-Schuster also thrives as a true No. 2 receiver as opposed to being the No. 1. I’ve seen a lot of Chiefs fans knock Smith-Schuster because his production has been down as his responsibilities increase but that is not necessarily a bad thing. You also have to factor in Ben Roethlisberger‘s decline. Anyhow, Smith-Schuster’s best production came when he was playing under prime Antonio Brown and in Kansas City he would be playing under Tyreek Hill and would come after Travis Kelce in the pecking order which gives him a perfect situation to play in.

He also likely understands his role as a WR2 which is very important when other potential free agents may become unhappy playing in the Chiefs offense, but Smith-Schuster knows his role and is good at it.

Lastly, it would appear that Smith-Schuster wants to be here after seeing reports that many believe he is interested in joining the Chiefs. Sure, he left them at the altar last offseason for one last ride with Pittsburgh but that shouldn’t be held against him. All that should matter is if he is a good player and he is attainable and luckily he’s both.

Smith-Schuster just makes too much sense for the Chiefs to not happen. Both sides like each other, the need for each other is still there, Smith-Schuster would still be the best wide receiver on the team not named Tyreek Hill, and his affordability would still give the Chiefs plenty of offseason flexibility.