5 Chiefs Leaving Kansas City in the New Year

5. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR

After a putrid 2023 campaign with the New England Patriots, veteran wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster joined the Chiefs on a one-year contract in the offseason. The ex-USC playmaker previously won a Super Bowl in Kansas City after racking up 933 yards and three TDs with the Chiefs in 2022.

Although Chiefs fans had fond memories of Smith-Schuster from his last time in a KC jersey, the 28-year-old WR has looked far from his old self this season.

The former Pro Bowl receiver has only mustered 17 catches for 227 receiving yards and two TDs in 13 games. Even though that performance is underwhelming on its own, it's worse given that Smith-Schuster has fewer yards and catches than he did with the Patriots (29 and 260, respectively) despite playing two more games this year.

Outside of his 130-yard performance in Week 5, Smith-Schuster hasn't done enough to show the Chiefs that he deserves another contract. It's at the point where Patrick Mahomes hardly looks his way anymore, averaging just 1.1 receptions on 1.7 targets in the last seven games.

If Mahomes doesn't see any value in targeting Smith-Schuster, the Chiefs like don't see a legitimate reason to bring him back again. Expect to see the veteran pass-catcher playing in another team's uniform next fall.

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