The start of the regular season is a week away, and the Kansas City Chiefs have trimmed their roster to 53 players. A few deals were made before the deadline, including signing veteran wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Smith-Schuster spoke with reporters on Tuesday after practice about his new role with the Chiefs as he begins his second tenure.
“You got speed down the field (and) great hands. Last year, me watching Rashee Rice – his kind of position I played the year I was here,” said Smith-Schuster. “It was very cool to see how those guys used him in that way (and) in that form—being able to just see that and coming in to be a leader in that room – being a vet in the room. Just being able to help those young guys out.”
Smith-Schuster is only 27 years old, but he still fully embraces the mentorship role for the younger receivers. Entering his 8th season, he’s already experienced the highs and lows of the league while still competing at a high level.
“Yesterday (Monday) was my first practice, and being able to see (Xavier) Worthy run was pretty impressive,” said Smith-Schuster. “He was just like floating across the field. It’s pretty cool that (we have) a guy like him who can open up the offense.”
The 2017 second-round pick can play multiple roles in the offense, making him valuable for the Chiefs to pick up well after training camp. His instant chemistry with Mahomes and mastery of head coach Andy Reid’s playbook are all essential in the talented receivers’ room.