JuJu Smith-Schuster returns to Chiefs after Patriots exit

Less than two weeks before the Chiefs begin their quest for a third straight title, they're adding a familiar weapon in Patrick Mahomes.

JuJu Smith-Schuster, who was part of the Chiefs team that won the 2023 Super Bowl against the Eagles, is re-signing with Kansas City, according to NFL Network, after being released by the Patriots earlier this month.

After winning his first career championship, the 27-year-old signed a three-year, $25.5 million contract with New England, but in a terrible offense in Bill Belichick's final year as coach, he had just 29 receptions for 260 yards and one touchdown in 11 games.

Smith-Schuster has a knee issue and Belichick's successor, Jerod Mayo, has said the knee was one of the reasons the team let him go, while also wanting to give its young receivers more opportunities.

“We just want him to get healthy,” Mayo said Aug. 11. “He's still got some good qualities and I wish him nothing but the best.”

Smith-Schuster joins a crowded receiver room that includes Rashee Rice, first-round rookie Xavier Worthy, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Super Bowl hero Mecole Hardman, Justin Watson, Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney, the Giants' former first-round pick who could be cut before Tuesday's 53-man roster deadline.

And all those receivers, of course, are battling for targets behind star tight end Travis Kelce.

The Chiefs are also preparing for a possible suspension of Rice, who was arrested for his role in a car accident and charged with allegedly assaulting a person this offseason.

In 16 games with the Chiefs during the 2022 season, Smith-Schuster has 78 receptions for 933 yards and three touchdowns, adding 10 receptions for 89 yards in three playoff games.

A second-round pick of the Steelers in 2017, Smith-Schuster spent five seasons in Pittsburgh and was a Pro Bowler in 2018, when he had 111 receptions, 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns.

He rushed for 3,855 yards and 26 touchdowns during his five years with the Steelers.