The Kansas City Chiefs have created cap space, and on the opening day of NFL free agency, they could pursue receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.
After releasing tackles Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz, and converting Patrick Mahomes’ salary from base to bonus, the Kansas City Chiefs can make moves.
While most are focused on them rebuilding their offensive line — and rightfully so — the Chiefs also need to replenish the weaponry for Mahomes. While All-Pro receiver Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce are phenomenal, the depth chart is lacking behind them.
Enter JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Why the Kansas City Chiefs should sign JuJu Smith-Schuster
Only 24 years old, Smith-Schuster is coming off four terrific years with the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, Pittsburgh is in a tough cap spot, and now he this free agency looking to spend his prime years on another squad.
With Kansas City, Smith-Schuster could be the perfect fit. Over his first two seasons with the Steelers, the former USC star went for 58 catches, 917 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie before catching 111 passes for 1,426 yards another seven scores. Both these campaigns came as the No. 2 option behind Antonio Brown.
The last two seasons have been more of a struggle without a top-tier receiver on the other side. Smith-Schuster fell to 42 receptions, 552 yards and three touchdowns in ’19 before rebounding in ’20 for 97 catches, 831 yards and nine scores last season.
With Kansas City, Smith-Schuster would be the second option on the outside behind Hill, with third-year speedster Mecole Hardman demanding attention in the slot. This is to say nothing of Kelce, who is coming off the greatest season in NFL history for tight ends with 105 catches, 1,416 yards and 11 touchdowns. He’s been a Pro Bowler each of the past six seasons.
With their current cap situation, the Chiefs can certainly afford Smith-Schuster among others when free agency’s tampering period opens on Monday, March 15.