Former Steeler’s wide receiver, JuJu Smith-Schuster, will kick off his sixth NFL season as a Kansas City Chief. With Patrick Mahomes under center and longtime Chiefs WR1, Tryreek Hill, out of the picture, fantasy owners should have high expectations for Smith-Schuster this upcoming season.
JuJu Smith-Schuster’s Career Overview
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Smith-Schuster with the 62nd pick in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. As a rookie, the WR made quite the impact, recording nearly 1,000 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. In year two, Smith-Schuster only improved, hauling in 111 catches for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns. Throughout his impressive 2018 campaign, Smith-Schuster averaged 18.6 fantasy points per game, landing him in eighth on end-of-season rankings for the wide receiver position. However, after suffering a knee sprain in November of 2019, his progress dramatically slowed in year three. Smith-Schuster was again limited by injury in 2021, playing only five games due to a dislocated shoulder.
Earlier this offseason, Smith-Schuster reached a one-year agreement with the Kansas City Chiefs worth up to $10.75 million.
Expectations
Throughout his time in Pittsburgh, Smith-Schuster has built himself a respectable resume. His accomplishments are especially impressive given the Steeler’s mediocre talent at the quarterback position. However, this will not be the case in Kansas City. Smith-Schuster will now catch passes from former league MVP and three-time Pro Bowl selection, Patrick Mahomes. As seen with the rest of the Chiefs receiving corps, expect Smith-Schuster’s fantasy upside to increase with Mahomes as his quarterback.
For the past five years, Tyreek Hill has been the WR1 in Kansas City and the go-to wideout for Mahomes. However, earlier this offseason, the Cheifs shipped Hill to Miami, leaving a void in their offense. While Smith-Schuster will have to compete for targets with the talented Cheifs TE, Travis Kelce, and newly signed receiver, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, there’s still much room to grow in the absence of Hill.
Look for JuJu Smith-Schuster to be selected 28th-32nd in the wide receiver position in standard 12-team leagues, with the possibility for significant improvement as the season progresses.