Projecting a Juju Smith-Schuster extension for KC Chiefs

Final extension prediction

It won’t be cheap. It might not be the deal that the Chiefs Kingdom wants, but it is needed. Unless the Chiefs want to rely on rookie wide receivers or cheap afterthoughts, they will have to invest in one or two in the near future. They invested in Hill and Sammy Watkins not long ago. Now, Veach should consider investing in Smith-Schuster.

He will be 26 when the 2023 season starts, which is relatively young to be on his fourth contract in the NFL. But a fair contract length for Smith-Schuster would be four years. That would take him through his age-29 season, benefiting both Kansas City and Smith-Schuster. It would allow him to pursue another contract before calling it quits and give Kansas City an out before Smith-Schuster declines due to age.

Now, on to the money. Veach will certainly pull some cap-space gymnastics in this contract, allowing the Chiefs to restructure or move money as they see fit. But, chances are, the contract’s total value reaches $82.5 million. That would give the contract an annual value of $20.625 million, a very rich contract for Smith-Schuster. Between the performance incentives, roster bonuses, and more, this will likely be the largest contract of his career.

Lastly, the amount of money guaranteed at signing will be sizeable. This is a big incentive, especially after Smith-Schuster’s minuscule current contract. The guaranteed signing amount could be $35–40 million, which is the sweet spot of many current wide receiver contracts.

Final extension: Four years, $82.5 million ($37 million guaranteed at signing)

This will be a big swing for Veach, but extending the Chiefs’ championship window is worth it. This allows Mahomes to have a steady receiving target, plus it could extend tight end Travis Kelce’s career in Kansas City. If Kansas City can avoid a revolving door at wide receiver, unlike the Green Bay Packers, then the benefits would be immediate. These will be Smith-Schuster’s prime years, giving Kansas City an already experienced wide receiver with untapped potential.