Projecting a Juju Smith-Schuster extension for KC Chiefs

Comparing his current production and contract

At this current pace, Smith-Schuster is in line for a hefty pay raise after the 2022 season. That is not only because of his production but also because of the uninspiring 2023 free-agent class at wide receiver.

It makes sense for the Chiefs to give Smith-Schuster his well-deserved pay raise. His chemistry with Mahomes and his fondness for Kansas City are just some of the reasons Smith-Schuster could stay. But few things speak louder than the almighty dollar. Smith-Schuster came to Kansas City on a “prove it” deal, and he is proving it so far. His next contract will likely be at fair market value, both in terms of length and guaranteed money.

The wide receiver market has changed in recent years due to big-money contracts for Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, and A.J. Brown. It is a sign of the times and the rising salary cap in the NFL. 14 NFL wide receivers currently have deals worth more than $20 million per year. Smith-Schuster stands to join that group after the 2022 season. But Kansas City could pay him before he hits the open market.

According to Over the Cap, Smith-Schuster has outplayed his current contract in nine of 11 games. That includes his 12 receptions for 237 receiving yards and two touchdowns against the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers. Smith-Schuster is hitting his stride with Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid. If Veach is even leaning towards keeping Smith-Schuster in Kansas City, he should start extension talks sooner rather than later.

A contract extension will be sizeable but certainly cheaper than those signed by Hill, Adams, and other elite-tier wide receivers. Still, his contract should resemble that of Deebo Samuel and D.J. Moore. Especially Moore, who signed a three-year, $61.8 million contract extension with the Carolina Panthers effective after his age-25 season. Before the extension, Moore was fresh off a 93-catch, 1,157-receiving-yard season. Granted, that was Moore’s third year in a row of such production. But the Panthers had the luxury of drafting Moore and having a head start on extension talks. Nonetheless, Smith-Schuster’s extension value and length could be similar to Moore’s.