USC Football News: Former Trojans' Receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster Returns to Kansas City

Former USC star receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is making a notable return to the Kansas City Chiefs, signing a new contract with the team on Monday. This reunion marks the latest chapter in a rollercoaster career that’s seen its fair share of highs and lows.

Smith-Schuster, who played a pivotal role in the Chiefs' Super Bowl win in 2022, was spotted back in uniform during practice on Monday, much to the delight of fans and teammates alike, according to ESPN . His previous stint with Kansas City was productive, with Smith-Schuster hauling in 78 passes for 933 yards.

However, the road since then has been bumpy. After his successful season with the Chiefs, Smith-Schuster signed a three-year, $25 million deal with the New England Patriots. His time in Foxboro was short-lived, though, as the Patriots released him on August 9.

This decision was surprising for two reasons: the Patriots still owed him $7 million, and he was a significant offseason acquisition under former head coach Bill Belichick.

The release came with a hefty financial impact—New England faces a $9.6 million dead cap charge this year and an additional $2.6 million in 2025. Injuries plagued Smith-Schuster’s season in New England, potentially contributing to his abrupt exit. Despite being a key addition, he didn’t meet the team's expectations, leading to his departure.

Before his time with the Patriots, Smith-Schuster spent five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His standout year came in 2018 when he caught 111 passes for 1,426 yards. At USC, Smith-Schuster was a standout player, alongside his former Trojan teammate Adoree Jackson.

In his first college season, he posted impressive stats with 54 catches, 724 yards, and five touchdowns. His accolades included being a Second-team All-American in 2015 and a First-team All-Pac-12 selection the same year.

Jackson, known for his remarkable college career, had an impressive 2016 season with 46 solo tackles, five interceptions, and 11 passes defended, earning him the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back.

Now back with the Chiefs, Smith-Schuster joins a wide receiver group that includes veteran Marquise Brown and rookie Xavier Worthy. His return could be a valuable asset to one of the league’s top offensive units, offering a chance to be a complementary piece in Kansas City’s high-powered offense.