Chiefs’ savvy free agent signing will benefit Travis Kelce in a big way that no one is talking about

JuJu Smith-Schuster is back with the Kansas City Chiefs after spending a season with the New England Patriots, and no one should be happier about that news than Travis Kelce. After all, Smith-Schuster was originally brought in back in 2022 under the guise that he could act as a "counter" to Kelce in the center of […]

Charles Goldman — NFL Managing Editor
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Feb 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, US; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates with wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) after making a catch for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

JuJu Smith-Schuster is back with the Kansas City Chiefs after spending a season with the New England Patriots, and no one should be happier about that news than Travis Kelce. After all, Smith-Schuster was originally brought in back in 2022 under the guise that he could act as a "counter" to Kelce in the center of the field. 

"We were hoping that he could kind of counter (Travis) Kelce – and this offense is best when you can kind of do that," Chiefs HC Andy Reid said of Smith-Schuster in 2022. "We had Sammy (Watkins) and then (Byron) Pringle developed into that as we went. And that’s when it rolls the best. And so, he’s come in and (has) done that and does a nice job with it.

"He’s got a great feel for the game. He’s got great feel in space. And then he’s really tough to bring down and I kind of forgot about that part (laughter). After he gets that ball in his hands, man, you try to hit him in his lower body, he can shrug it off like a running back. That’s special to have that."

Together, Kelce and Smith-Schuster have been able to do damage in the middle of the field. His return is all about recreating that same type of success again with rub routes, drawing the attention of defenders, and creating open space in an offense that is predicated on finding it. 

How JuJu Smith-Schuster's return benefits Chiefs TE Travis Kelce (and vice versa)

During the 2022 NFL season, Kelce and Smith-Schuster were able to develop a remarkable level of chemistry. When one player attracted attention, the other always managed to get open. When neither player can get open, they know how to attract the attention of defenders to free up their other teammates as well.

KSHB-TV's Nick Jacobs shared a few clips after some games last season that truly highlight how the two play off of each other so well. 

Kelce's feel for space is unrivaled in both designed and improvised plays, but Smith-Schuster isn't too far behind him in that regard. It doesn't always take much, but even the most simple route combination between Kelce and Smith-Schuster can clear enough space for a winning play. 

If defenders aren't on their toes, one can easily get caught flat-footed or with their hips turned in the wrong direction. Smith-Schuster or Kelce will be ready and able to take full advantage. 

Mind you, second-year Rashee Rice is playing the role that Smith-Schuster vacated when he left to go to New England. Smith-Schuster simply won't always be relied upon in this role in 2024. However, having him back in the building will only help Rice get better at exploiting space while helping to get Kelce and others open. 

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