A familiar face is back in town for the Kansas City Chiefs as they are signing free agent wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.

Smith-Schuster spent the 2022 season in Kansas City, playing a big role in helping the Chiefs win Super Bowl LVII. There was mutual interest in him returning in 2023, but the Chiefs couldn’t match the New England Patriots’ offer of a three-year, $33 million contract.

There have been conflicting reports – and comments from Smith-Schuster himself – about the condition of his knee. After injuring his knee during the 2022 AFC Championship Game with the Chiefs, Smith-Schuster had surgery on it following the Super Bowl.

Smith-Schuster could never get into rhythm in New England, missing six games due to his knee and numerous other ailments. He caught just 29 passes for 260 yards and one touchdown in 2023 before landing on injured reserve in Week 16.

Despite insisting that he is now healthy, Smith-Schuster quickly found himself buried on the depth chart for N.E. during training camp, leading to his release following its Week 1 preseason game. Even if he is healthy, it seems as though Smith-Schuster may not be the same player he once was.

Injuries have been a constant plague for Smith-Schuster throughout his seven-year NFL career, only twice playing a full season. He’ll now look for another fresh start in K.C., where he could have the opportunity to contribute immediately with Hollywood Brown’s status in question. Bringing Smith-Schuster back also provides insurance for the possibility of Rashee Rice getting suspended.

Smith-Schuster shouldn’t have a problem picking Andy Reid’s system back up after just a little over a year away. He was Reid’s No. 1 receiver in 2022, catching 78 passes for 933 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games. He led the Chiefs in receptions during Super Bowl LVII with seven and drew a crucial holding penalty that led to K.C. icing the game.

It will be interesting to see if the Chiefs throw Smith-Schuster in the mix right off the bat or bring him along gradually. It’s unlikely that they would have brought him back if they didn’t feel like he is healthy, even if he has lost a step. His return could spell doom for roster bubble receivers such as Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, Mecole Hardman and Justyn Ross.