How Juju Smith Schuster's inconsistent past sets up uncertain future with Chiefs
The Chiefs recently signed former Steelers receiver Juju Smith-Schuster to a one-year deal in free agency, just days before Tyreek Hill was dealt to the Dolphins. Kansas City, a team that plays for nothing less than a Super Bowl, now has a new No. 1 receiver. However, there are questions about both the Chiefs and […]
The Chiefs recently signed former Steelers receiver Juju Smith-Schuster to a one-year deal in free agency, just days before Tyreek Hill was dealt to the Dolphins. Kansas City, a team that plays for nothing less than a Super Bowl, now has a new No. 1 receiver.
However, there are questions about both the Chiefs and Smith-Schuster going into this year. Can the Chiefs win without Tyreek Hill? Is Smith-Schuster mature enough, and good enough to help lead this offense to the promise land? These are all things we will have to wait and see, but can still ponder the questions.
Juju Smith-Schuster is known for being a bit immature, on and off the field. Do we need a reminder of everything that has transpired in Pittsburgh over the last few seasons?
To start, the fines and suspension with the hit on several defensive players were just unnecessary. Then, the TikToks. The viral video of him dancing on other teams' logos before the games, and then proceeding to get beat very badly.
Smith-Schuster has also had his fair share of injuries during his short career so far. The 25-year-old receiver has had 12 total injuries in his short career. That being anything from a fractured hand, pulled hamstring, bruised ribs, to a shoulder injury that left him missing 12 games last season.
In 2018, the then second-year player made a Pro Bowl off a spectacular season. He finished with 111 catches, 1400 yards, and seven touchdowns in 16 games. That just goes to show that when healthy, he can be very productive.
Smith-Schuster played 16 games again in 2020 but fell short of 1,000 yards with just over 800. That was on 40 fewer targets, and he was still able to finish with 9 touchdowns on the year.
But even with the baggage and the injuries, Juju Smith-Schuster has the talent to be a No. 1 receiver. He's shown it in the past, before. Can he do it now, though?
Hopefully, for the Chiefs sake and Chiefs fans, the 25-year-old can put it all together.
Featured Image Credit Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
