Patriots

Patriots reportedly sign wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster to three-year contract

Smith-Schuster led the Chiefs in receptions (seven) during their win over the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII last month.

JuJu Smith-Schuster reeled in 78 catches last season with the Chiefs. Joshua Bickel / AP Photo

March 15, 2023

JuJu Smith-Schuster is heading to Foxborough.

Just a day after Jakobi Meyers left New England to sign with the Raiders, the Patriots have found his replacement in the fleet-footed Smith-Schuster on Wednesday afternoon.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Smith-Schuster’s new deal with New England is a three-year, $33 million contract, with $22.5 million earned over the first two years.

Smith-Schuster confirmed the news on Twitter shortly after the first reports of his new deal were announced.

Excited for my next chapter in New England! I will give this organization everything I have, thank you for believing in me! 🙏🏾🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/EwOxy7L7yz
— JuJu Smith-Schuster (@TeamJuJu) March 15, 2023

Smith-Schuster was a key cog in Patrick Mahomes’ offensive arsenal last season with the Chiefs. The 26-year-old wideout was second in Kansas City for targets (101), receptions (78), and receiving yards (933) en route to a Super Bowl title.

During Kansas City’s run to a championship, Smith-Schuster hauled in 10 catches over three playoff games. He led the Chiefs in receptions (seven) during their win over the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII last month.

It was a bounce-back campaign for Smith-Schuster, who had a productive four seasons with the Steelers from 2017-20 before being limited to just five games in 2021 due to injury.

Even though Smith-Schuster has the size (6-foot-1, 215 pounds) to play on the outside as an “X” receiver, he has the quick-burst acceleration and hands to serve as a useful tool out of the slot for quarterback Mac Jones.

And considering that Smith-Schuster’s contract is close to identical to the three-year, $33 million deal that Meyers inked with Vegas, it appears New England opted for the former over the latter for 2023 and beyond.

Meyers seems to agree with that sentiment, given his reaction on Twitter.