What could Smith-Schuster get in guaranteed money?
The biggest variable in his next contract will be guaranteed money. Several players leverage teams into giving them more guaranteed money, forgoing more lucrative bonuses and longer contracts. That is what the Steelers did with Smith-Schuster in 2021, and it did not work out well. Pittsburgh guaranteed $7 million of his contract and only got five games of minimal production from Smith-Schuster.
Smith-Schuster is a common name on the Chiefs’ weekly injury reports, and he almost missed Week 1 with a knee injury. Injuries usually follow a player in the NFL, and this has to be accounted for in contract extension talks. His recent concussion will further complicate things, as concussions have lengthy effects on players.
Things change if Smith-Schuster stays on the field this year. He did indeed come to Kansas City on a minimally guaranteed deal after all. Evaluating recent wide receiver contracts, Smith-Schuster could earn in excess of $30 million guaranteed across a multi-year extension. That would be in line with D.K. Metcalf and Corey Davis, players of similar standing and age to Smith-Schuster.
No wide receiver has signed a fully guaranteed contract extension or deal in free agency. Some high-end receivers have been drafted, such as Ja’Marr Chase and Jaylen Waddle. But guaranteed money is certainly a big bargaining chip for players and teams alike. If Veach gave Smith-Schuster $30 million to $35 million in guaranteed money over a multi-year deal, it would be a big sign of confidence in the player. confidence not only in his production but also in his availability and health down the road.