Five contract year Chiefs players with most to lose
By Jacob Milham
Juju Smith-Schuster
If one Chiefs player had a prove-it deal, it would have to be wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster.
Smith-Schuster started off his NFL career dominantly, recording 2,343 receiving yards in his first two seasons. But, whether it be injuries or lackluster quarterback play, Smith-Schuster’s protection and standing have fallen off significantly. Even so, the Chiefs still pursued Smith-Schuster following the 2020 season, before he ultimately returned to the Steelers. Smith-Schuster’s stock hit rock bottom after the 2021 season though, one where he only played five total games.
The narrative around Smith-Schuster is that he will only be a WR2 in the NFL. That is not unfounded, especially as his best years came in that role. In Kansas City, Smith-Schuster has an opportunity to prove the doubters wrong. Sure, he played with future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, but he gets a big upgrade with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. At one point in March 2022, it seemed that Smith-Schuster would be WR2 again, this time behind Hill. But, the Chiefs traded Hill days after signing Smith-Schuster, opening the proverbial door for him to succeed.
Smith-Schuster is a part of a deep receiving corps, but he is the Chiefs’ WR1 entering Week 1. Championships and accolades could await Smith-Schuster in 2022, but a good performance will only help his 2023 contract negotiations. The NFL has seen a boom in wide receiver contracts following the 2021 season, with multiple receivers of all calibers. The fact remains that a team will pay you more to be their lead wide receiver. If Smith-Schuster proves he can do that, he should cash in next off-season.