JuJu Smith-Schuster contract figures were very misleading

JuJu Smith-Schuster this week signed what looked like a hefty one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, but the wide receiver may never see the majority of the money.

Smith-Schuster announced on Friday that he signed with the Chiefs. It was widely reported that the deal is worth $10.75 million for one season. That may sound like a lot of money for a player who had just 15 catches in five games last year, but the deal is loaded with incentives.

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Smith-Schuster’s one-year deal has a base value of $3.25 million. That will come in the form of base salary, signing bonus, workout bonuses, and per-game roster bonuses. The rest of the money — $7.5 million — will only be paid if Smith-Schuster and the Chiefs hit certain benchmarks. For example. Smith-Schuster will get an additional $2 million if Kansas City reaches the AFC Championship Game.

With all that in mind, the contract looks like a bargain for the Chiefs. Smith-Schuster had 97 catches for 831 yards and nine touchdowns in 2020, and that was with backup quarterbacks after Ben Roethlisberger hurt his elbow. His production with the Pittsburgh Steelers was inconsistent, but that was likely a product of Big Ben’s declining skill set.

If Smith-Schuster fits in with Kansas City’s offense, he could be a valuable weapon for Patrick Mahomes.

Photo: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports