Who will get the next contract extensions from the Chiefs?
By Jacob Milham
Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster
Call it recency bias, call it impractical, call it what you will. Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster should be a top extension target for Kansas City.
After catching his first touchdown in a Chiefs uniform against the Buffalo Bills, things are looking up for Smith-Schuster. He looks more in sync with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his snap count has steadily increased since Week 1. Chiefs fans have had mixed reviews of Smith-Schuster, especially with his high expectations in Kansas City. Smith-Schuster and wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling entered this season as complementary receivers. Valdes-Scantling has seen plenty of opportunities, but Smith-Schuster looks like the better receiving option for Mahomes.
Smith-Schuster is currently on a one-year deal, taking a bet on himself. His current deal is very incentive-laden, monetizing his production and availability for the Chiefs. He has dealt with recurrent injuries in recent seasons, so Smith-Schuster does need to prove his durability down the stretch. Smith-Schuster is on pace for 77 receptions and 1,049 receiving yards in 2022. Not too bad for the first year in Kansas City.
If Smith-Schuster continues to stay available and productive, his next contract will be much longer and much richer. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid’s scheme does not lend itself to a revolving door at wide receiver, plus Smith-Schuster has already built solid chemistry with Mahomes.