As the dust settles on the first week of free agency, it is interesting to look at what former Kansas City Chiefs remain on the market. While a few top-tier names remain, the majority of players left come with obvious baggage or will have a difficult time finding a new landing spot. This appears to be the case for former Kansas City pass catcher JuJu Smith-Schuster, who remains a free agent and has inspired very little buzz in the first week of free agency.
For Chiefs fans who watched Smith-Schuster during the 2025 season, this doesn't come as a surprise based on the clear limitations. The pass catcher finished with 345 receiving yards and a lone touchdown. This production speaks to Kansas City's lack of options at the position and the greatness of Patrick Mahomes. Clearly, Smith-Schuster has slowed a step despite being only 29. The veteran can't move like he once did these days and doesn't have the burst he offered in the early seasons of his career.
It is fair to wonder how long Smith-Schuster might be waiting in free agency to find his next landing spot. The veteran doesn't offer much upside at this stage of his career, and it seems the position throughout the league has rarely been this deep. Smith-Schuster could be waiting for some time before a team is willing to settle for the veteran receiver as a lesser option. This is the reality of a career that appears to be closer to the end than its prime, unless there is a shocking return to form.
Former Chiefs Receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster Continues to Search for Next Landing Spot
For the Chiefs, there should be zero interest in a potential reunion as the franchise attempts to reset the receiver position. Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice are both facing questions, making Kansas City's depth all the more important and leaving every reason for the franchise to find a backup capable of stepping into the starting lineup. This clearly isn't Smith-Schuster and should eliminate the veteran for consideration as a potential re-signing.
Looking around the league, it is difficult to see one clear fit for the veteran pass catcher, suggesting that his free agency could continue for some time. Smith-Schuster is going to have to be patient and hope that a contender will value his championship experience and offer the pass catcher a final roster spot.
Kansas City can take this lack of interest as confirmation that they are doing the right thing, turning the page on a player that no other team valued in the first week of free agency. It is a harsh reminder of how little reliable help the Chiefs have offered Mahomes in recent seasons and a great reason to continue their push to bring in new weapons. All of this spells a long free agency for Smith-Schuster, who has put his best seasons long behind.