The Kansas City Chiefs are primed to have one of the most talented wide receiver groups of Patrick Mahomes' career in 2025. Led by Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, the Chiefs' receivers should be able to stretch the field this year. Beyond them, veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster and rookie Jalen Royals project to be good depth.
Even in a stacked receiving core such as this one, there has to be a leader. Following Tuesday's practice, head coach Andy Reid shared which receiver is taking a leadership role during training camp. Reid told the media that Smith-Schuster is the leader in the wide receiver room, according to Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports. Though he is a veteran, Smith-Schuster stepping into a leadership role might surprise some Chiefs fans.
Chiefs HC Andy Reid says JuJu Smith-Schuster is the leader in the wide receiver room.
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) July 29, 2025
Veteran WR Juju Smith-Schuster Named Team Leader Among Wide Receivers
On paper, Smith-Schuster being named a leader in the wide receiver room may come out of left field. Many fans might have thought Rice would be the leader among receivers. Despite Rice getting in trouble with the law, he is still the most talented receiver in Kansas City.
Typically, his talent, along with the fact that he has been with the Chiefs for three seasons, would make him a leader. However, Rice being convicted of a crime showed immaturity and likely lost him the trust a leader would have.
Smith-Schuster, on the other hand, is an eight-year NFL veteran entering his third season with the Chiefs. The 28-year-old's experience in Reid's system and the trust Mahomes has in him are likely why he is seen as a leader among the wide receivers.
Those two factors of Smith-Schuster's game can be helpful for the young receivers. While Worthy got comfortable with Mahomes by the end of last season, he could still learn a thing or two from
Smith-Schuster.
Moreover, Royals should be asking for all the advice he can from Smith-Schuster. The rookie will likely be called on to contribute at some point this season with what many assume to be an impending suspension for Rice. If the Royals can learn how to be in the right spot at the right time from Smith-Schuster, then Kansas City's offense won't miss a beat.
Given the 28-year-old's understanding of how Kansas City's offense and the NFL work, Reid's naming him as a leader is understandable.