JuJu Smith-Schuster leaves Chiefs in dust for AFC rival

March 17, 2023 ndowd

The Kansas City Chiefs have lost JuJu Smith-Schuster in favor of the New England Patriots. Mac Jones has a new weapon in what could be a critical season for him.

This is likely Mac Jones final season to prove himself in New England Patriots colors. That’s what makes it all the more important that Bill Belichick and Co. give him some decent weapons for a change.

Jakobi Meyers looked like a capable threat at times last season, but he left in free agency for the Las Vegas Raiders, reuniting with Josh McDaniels.

To replace Meyers, the Pats have signed former Steelers and Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. JuJu spent last season with Patrick Mahomes, where his value ballooned from a one-year prove it deal to becoming one of the highest-paid wideouts on this offseason’s market.

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster is expected to sign with the New England Patriots, per sources. First reported by @TaylorBisciotti

The Chiefs tried to retain the receiver, but he is off to New England.

— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 15, 2023

The contract actually wasn’t all that bad, all things considered. Spotrac had Smith-Schuster’s value at around $14 million per season. The Patriots will pay him $11 million.

Compensation update: Patriots and JuJu Smith-Schuster reached agreement on a three-year, $33 million deal with $22.5 million earned over the first two years of the deal, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2023

JuJu Smith-Schuster leaves Chiefs for Patriots

For Kansas City, this means they will have to find a replacement for Smith-Schuster. There’s a chance they may already have one on the roster, as Skyy Moore came along well towards the end of last season. The smart money is on KC either drafting another wideout in the first few rounds, or signing one on the free-agent market.

The good news for KC general manager Brett Veach is that they can now afford to keep Mecole Hardman, should they choose. Hardman remains available, but teams like the Washington Commanders with a Chiefs connection — Eric Bieniemy is the new offensive coordinator for Ron Rivera — could make a run at him.

JuJu made the smart decision to play with the best quarterback in football last season. It has paid off big time.

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