Report: Patriots have 'serious interest' in Chiefs free agent WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
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.
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.
