Honestly, keeping track of where NFL veterans land every year is a full-time job. You've probably seen the highlights, the TikToks, or the specialized cleats and wondered: what team does JuJu Smith-Schuster play for right now?
As of early 2026, JuJu Smith-Schuster is a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs.
He’s currently wrapping up his second consecutive stint with the team—his third overall—after re-signing on a one-year deal for the 2025 season. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster for the former Pro Bowler. He went from being "the guy" in Pittsburgh to a Super Bowl champion in KC, then a brief, forgettable stop in New England, only to find his way back to Patrick Mahomes.
The 2025 Season and the Chiefs Connection
The 2025 season wasn't exactly a statistical explosion for JuJu. If you look at the box scores from this past January, specifically the Week 18 loss to the Raiders, he was mostly a depth piece. He hauled in two catches for 13 yards in that finale. Basically, his role has shifted from the explosive deep threat we saw years ago to a reliable veteran who knows the system.
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It's kinda wild how the Chiefs' receiver room has rotated. With Rashee Rice dealing with injuries and suspensions throughout 2025, JuJu was that "break glass in case of emergency" option. He finished the 2025 regular season with 33 receptions for 345 yards and a single touchdown. Not world-beating numbers, but in Andy Reid’s complex offense, having someone who doesn't need to check the playbook every five minutes is worth its weight in gold.
Why did he come back to Kansas City?
The Patriots released him in August 2024, and the Chiefs didn't waste much time. They scooped him up right before that season started. Then, in March 2025, they doubled down and gave him another one-year contract worth about $1.4 million.
Most people don't realize how much the Chiefs value "system fit." JuJu fits. He understands the "scramble drill" when Mahomes escapes the pocket. He’s a big-bodied target who can block in the run game. He basically chose comfort and a winning culture over chasing a bigger paycheck elsewhere.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Career Path
There’s this misconception that JuJu just "fell off" after his Pittsburgh days. While it's true he hasn't hit those 1,400-yard heights from 2018, his impact is more nuanced now.
A Quick Look at His Journey:
- Pittsburgh Steelers (2017–2021): The era of "Corvette Corvette" and massive production next to Antonio Brown.
- Kansas City Chiefs (2022): He proved he could be a WR1 in a post-Tyreek Hill world, winning Super Bowl LVII.
- New England Patriots (2023): A tough year. The fit was weird, the offense struggled, and he only managed 260 yards.
- Kansas City Chiefs (2024–Present): Back in the Red and Gold.
His 2025 contract was a clear "prove-it" deal. According to salary cap experts at Over the Cap, his base salary was around $1.25 million. For a guy with over 5,600 career receiving yards and a Super Bowl ring, that’s a bargain for a franchise like Kansas City.
The Reality of His Role in 2026
We're at a turning point now. Because his contract was only for one year, JuJu Smith-Schuster is technically heading into the 2026 offseason as an unrestricted free agent.
The Chiefs' roster is in flux. Names like Travis Kelce and Kareem Hunt are also on the pending free agent list for 2026. Whether JuJu stays in KC for another year depends entirely on how the front office views their youth movement with guys like Xavier Worthy.
If you're wondering what team does JuJu Smith-Schuster play for today, the answer remains the Chiefs, but the "UFA" (Unrestricted Free Agent) tag is looming large. He’s 29 now—entering that veteran stage where teams look for leadership as much as production.
Practical Insights for Fans and Fantasy Owners
If you're tracking JuJu for your 2026 dynasty league or just following the team, keep these points in mind:
- Check the Transaction Wire: Since he's a free agent this spring, his "Chiefs" status could change by March 2026.
- Efficiency over Volume: Don't expect 10 targets a game. He’s a third-down specialist and a red-zone physical presence.
- The Mahomes Factor: As long as he’s attached to Patrick Mahomes, his value stays higher than it would be on a rebuilding team.
JuJu has always been a "heart on his sleeve" kind of player. Whether he’s dancing on logos or making a clutch across-the-middle catch in the playoffs, his career has been anything but boring. For now, he’s a Chief, providing that veteran glue that every championship-caliber locker room needs.
Keep an eye on the official NFL transaction logs this March. That will tell us if he’s sticking around for a fourth year in Missouri or if it's time for one last chapter somewhere else.
To stay ahead of the curve on JuJu's next move, watch the Kansas City Chiefs' official roster updates and salary cap moves during the 2026 free agency window starting in March.