The newest wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs has officially joined his new team.
JuJu Smith-Schuster has landed in Kansas City, signed his deal and is set to catch passes from Patrick Mahomes during the 2022 NFL season. Speaking to the media on Sunday for the first time since joining the Chiefs, Smith-Schuster said that Mahomes was among the people to recruit him to join the team once free agency opened.
“I have talked to a couple of guys, obviously, to make this happen,” Smith-Schuster said. “I talked to Pat (Mahomes) a couple of times. But I’ve talked to Pat multiple times even before all this. I’ve known Pat for a while now, so, yeah, of course.”
Ultimately, Mahomes played a big part in Smith-Schuster’s decision to come to Kansas City. He previously mentioned Mahomes as a future Hall of Famer, but he elaborated on how much the Chiefs’ star QB factored into the decision.
“It was a big part of the process,” Smith-Schuster said. “You go into free agency, and you find out who’s going to be throwing you the ball next year. It came down to Pat (Mahomes) and I’m excited. I’m happy with my decision.”
The Chiefs also courted Smith-Schuster when he was a free agent in 2021, with Andy Reid sending him pictures of the Lombardi Trophy to try and coax him from Pittsburgh. The fact that Reid, Mahomes and the rest of the team continued their interest made him feel right at home in Kansas City.
“It’s one thing to talk with a head coach who just won the Lombardi Trophy, and for them to text me personally, it means a lot,” Smith-Schuster said. “And going into this year’s process, KC has been on me for the past two years. Obviously, I feel welcome here and appreciated. So, coming here and having the opportunity to play here for him is a great experience.”
