NEWSLETTER
I figured the Deshaun Watson news would start clearing a logjam of transactions. And to that end, I was hoping the Bears could be a beneficiary. After all, the receiver and offensive line markets — in which Chicago’s front office should be shopping right now — were stalling out due to uncertainty in the Watson sweepstakes.
As it turns out, we’re starting to see the moves flow.
Unfortunately, free agent receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster signing with the Chiefs isn’t something for which we were rooting:
JuJu Smith-Schuster announced he is going to Kansas City.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2022
JuJu Smith-Schuster is getting a one-year, $10.75M deal with the Chiefs, per source.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 18, 2022
Oh, sure. Now an interesting pass-catching target wants to join Matt Nagy’s team. Where was this the last two offseasons!?
Not only is Smith-Schuster joining the Chiefs, he is doing so on a one-year “prove it” deal at a relatively cost-efficient $10.75 million. Now, Kansas City’s offense features Patrick Mahomes throwing to Tyreek Hill (3-time All-Pro), Travis Kelce (3-time All-Pro), and Smith-Schuster (Pro Bowler in 2018).
I guess the Chiefs were feeling the need to replace Byron Pringle in a big way after his departure to Chicago.
Yeah, that’s it!
Sure, the 25-year-old receiver is coming off an injury shortened 2021 season. But that 2018 Pro Bowl campaign (11 catches, 1,426 receiving yards, 7 TDs) is still relatively fresh in our minds. Frankly, the Bears providing a pillow contract for Smith-Schuster to bounce back and re-enter the market after catching passes from Justin Fields would’ve been a nice move. Instead, the Bears will be looking elsewhere for help in the receiver market.
