After a complete preseason of the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs evaluating their huge receivers, the crew determined to show to an exterior choice — however a well-recognized face — to spherical out the room.
On Monday, the Chiefs signed huge receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and instantly had him at observe. That comes simply over two weeks after the New England Patriots launched Smith-Schuster, who signed there on a three-year deal in 2023 after successful Tremendous Bowl LVII with the Chiefs.
The one yr he spent in Kansas Metropolis was particular, from the recollections to his position within the scheme. That caught with him as he determined the place he would play in 2024.
“I’m very aware of the offense,” Smith-Schuster shared throughout a press convention Tuesday. “I’m very aware of (head coach) Andy Reid, [quarterback Patrick Mahomes], the fellows. Being on this facility makes your job so much simpler than going someplace new the place it’s important to study all the things fairly shortly.”
In 2022, Smith-Schuster led the Chiefs’ huge receivers in receptions (78) and yards (933) — then led the place in snaps through the postseason run. It was clear he match into the offense and discovered the scheme; that was one other necessary think about deciding to return again.
“I believe the toughest half for offensive gamers going into a brand new system is learning a complete new playbook.”
There could possibly be some changes in Reid’s playbook for Smith-Schuster, however what has positively modified since that season is the receivers he’ll be enjoying beside. The Chiefs’ projected three beginning huge receivers — Hollywood Brown, Rashee Rice, and rookie Xavier Worthy — had been all introduced in after his departure.
It makes Smith-Schuster’s place within the pecking order unclear, however that doesn’t hassle the 27-year-old.
“It is a nice offense. You might have so many weapons now,” Smith-Schuster emphasised. “Truthfully, I’m simply completely satisfied and glad to be part of this offense and be in it. I’m simply getting used to the playbook and simply making an attempt to see the place I slot in. Wherever that could be, wherever coach (Reid) needs to make use of me, I’m prepared.”
“Prepared” could also be slightly untimely; Smith-Schuster proclaimed it “too early to say” if he can be enjoying Week 1 in opposition to the Baltimore Ravens.
If he’s simply an observer for the season-opener, he may have his eyes on Rice particularly.
“Having the ability to watch Rashee Rice final yr, it was type of the place I performed the yr I used to be right here. It was very cool to see how these guys used him in that method and in that kind.”
One other distinction in #Chiefs – Eagles from SBLVIII: No Juju Smith-Schuster for KC, who moved the chains 4 instances within the 2nd half (plus the defensive holding)
Rashee Rice is now enjoying that position. If he could be as dependable catching the ball, he has a better play-making ceiling pic.twitter.com/R7hp2lL8lz
— Ron Kopp Jr. (@Ron_Kopp) November 16, 2023
He has already gotten a have a look at Worthy and felt the necessity to level out Worthy’s pace.
“Yesterday was my first observe, and with the ability to see Worthy run was fairly spectacular,” Smith-Schuster praised. “He was simply floating throughout the sphere; it’s fairly cool to have a man like him that may open up the offense.”
He’ll have to attend to share the sphere with Brown, however he’s acquainted and excited with the opposite confirmed veteran within the room.
“I do know Hollywood fairly nicely… He can stretch the sphere and play all the things. I like his recreation, I believe enjoying with him helps me and helps everybody on the crew complement one another. I’m completely satisfied he’s right here, he’s in an amazing system.”
With the enhancements made within the Chiefs’ receiving corps, Smith-Schuster might not strategy the statistics he had in 2022. That doesn’t matter, because the veteran reiterated.
“For me, it’s not a lot about numbers, it’s about the place I can be utilized and match,” Smith-Schuster defined. “I wasn’t right here throughout coaching camp with these guys, so with the ability to come again right here and be aware of the offensive coordinator, head coach, and Pat, it made my job so much simpler.”
With the 53-man roster now finalized, Smith-Schuster is slated to supply high quality, versatile depth. He can align within the slot, he could make sturdy catches in site visitors, and he’s a keen blocker.
His place flexibility could also be why the crew moved on from outdoors receiver Justyn Ross and slot receiver Kadarius Toney; he’s extra dependable than each and may do greater than both particular person can.
After being such a reliable number-one receiver for the Chiefs simply two seasons in the past, it feels odd for the veteran — as soon as thought-about a rising star within the NFL — to be projected because the fourth or fifth receiver on the depth chart.
It doesn’t hassle him although, which confirms how sturdy of a match he’s inside the group.
