Did Chiefs reunite with former Pro Bowl WR to prepare for Rashee Rice suspension?

On Monday, the Kansas City Chiefs announced they have signed veteran wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. On the surface, it appears they're adding depth, but is there more to the move?

Per Pete Grathoff of The Kansas City Star, Chiefs WR Rashee Rice was involved in a six-car freeway crash in March and faces eight charges in the case. He also allegedly punched a photographer in a nightclub in May, but charges were dropped, according to Dallas police (h/t ESPN's Adam Teicher). The NFL will probably suspend Rice at some point.

During his rookie season in 2023, the second-round pick out of SMU led the team in touchdown catches (seven in 16 games) and finished second in receiving yards (938) behind tight end Travis Kelce. Former Pro Bowler Smith-Schuster could fill in for Rice.

Smith-Schuster played a pivotal role during the Chiefs' Super Bowl run in the 2022-2023 season. In 16 regular-season games, he recorded 78 receptions for 933 yards and three touchdown catches. Against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII, he caught seven passes for 53 yards in a 38-35 victory.

Earlier this month, the New England Patriots released Smith-Schuster . In 11 games with New England last season, he was underwhelming, registering 29 receptions for 260 yards and one TD catch.

However, Smith-Schuster's decline may have been tied to poor QB play. Last season, the Patriots rotated between QBs Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe, and both struggled. New England ranked 30th in the league in passer rating (73.8). Smith-Schuster should produce far better numbers with Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, a two-time MVP.

Reuniting with Smith-Schuster seems like a solid move for the Chiefs. The 27-year-old provides needed WR depth and potentially gives them insurance for a Rice suspension.