The Kansas City Chiefs appear to have some competition for JuJu Smith-Schuster’s services ahead of the official opening of free agency.
According to Boston Herald reporter Andrew Callahan, the New England Patriots have “serious interest” in the Chiefs’ top free agent receiver. Smith-Schuster joined Kansas City on a one-year, incentive-heavy deal in 2022. He is back on the market after a season where he recorded 78 catches for 933 yards and three touchdowns, also becoming a champion in Super Bowl LVII. He’s expected to earn a multi-year deal now that he’s proven himself in K.C. in 2022.
The Chiefs have shown interest in re-signing Smith-Schuster, if possible, but extra competition for his services could complicate things.
Hearing the #Patriots have serious interest in JuJu Smith-Schuster, the best free-agent WR available.
He caught 78 passes for 933 yards and three touchdowns last year in a rebound season with Kansas City.
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) March 15, 2023
With Jakobi Meyers and Allen Lazard signing deals averaging $11 million per year, Smith-Schuster’s market is expected to fall in the same range. He’s the top remaining receiver on the free agent market alongside the likes of Odell Beckham Jr., who sat out the 2022 NFL season with a knee injury.
The wide receiver market is flush with some younger unproven players who could suffice as a replacement should Smith-Schuster head to New England or elsewhere.
The theme of #Chiefs free agency so far has been youth.
Some young WRs still out there:
Olamide Zaccheaus (25)
Parris Campbell (25)
DJ Chark (26)
Darius Slayton (26)— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) March 15, 2023
