How much will JuJu Smith-Schuster earn at New England Patriots: Former Kansas City Chiefs WR’s contract explored

JuJu Smith-Schuster joined the New England Patriots on Wednesday, adding some firepower to their receiving. The former Kansas City Chiefs WR will play on a three-year deal worth $33 million.

The Patriots, after losing Jakobi Meyers to free agency, were looking for a strong wide receiver to aid Mac Jones. Meyers joined the Las Vegas Raiders and the same contract was offered to Smith-Schuster.

JuJu, along with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, proved to be one of the top WRs last year. The Super Bowl-winning player led the team in receptions, yards, and targets. In the season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles, the 26-year-old caught seven catches for 53 yards.

Also Read | Why Dallas Cowboys released Ezekiel Elliott: Star running back’s top-landing spots for NFL 2023

After New England lost top wideout Jakobi Meyers to the Raiders this week, the 26-year-old is a good replacement for Meyers with a similar skill set. The one-time Pro Bowler possesses above-average swiftness for a 6-foot-1 receiver, shows strong hands and strength at the catch point, and runs similar routes with inside-outside alignment versatility.

The Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Smith-Schuster played last season with Kansas City after five with the Steelers. He caught 78 passes for 933 yards and three touchdowns within the regular season and added ten more receptions in three postseason games. 

Smith-Schuster is best used as a physical slot target who can work the dirty areas of the field, though the Chiefs flexed him out wide at times to scheme him open. He joined the Pittsburgh Steelers as a second-round draft pick in 2017 from USC and averaged 65 catches per season with Pittsburgh.

Also Read | Ja Morant suspended for 8 games: When will the Memphis Grizzlies star come back?

The Patriots usually don’t hand out second contracts to good players they find in the late rounds of the draft, which could explain why they decided to let Meyers move elsewhere. Nevertheless, it was time for New England to go hard at the wide receiver position, the team’s biggest need for 2023.