:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72078335/1465430983.0.jpg "JuJu Smith-Schuster rumors: Free agent WR expected to sign with Patriots")
The New England Patriots are signing wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster to a 3-year $33 million deal, per Ian Rapoport. Smith-Schuster spent last season playing for the Kansas City Chiefs on a one-year deal. He now will bolster a New England receiving corps and try and help Mac Jones take a step forward.
2022 performance
Smith-Schuster played in 16 games for Kansas City. He had 78 receptions on 101 targets for 933 yards and three touchdowns. Smith-Schuster is known for betting on himself and thinks he can be a team's No. 1 wide receiver. He will get that chance in New England.
Fantasy implications for Chiefs
The Chiefs are going to be fine. Patrick Mahomes will still at least have Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore when it comes to wide receivers. MVS and Toney likely will have fantasy value but toward the middle rounds of drafts. The pass-catcher to have for Kansas City is still going to be tight end Travis Kelce.
Fantasy implications for Patriots
How much do you trust Jones as a quarterback? Smith-Schuster be the most targeted pass-catcher for New England, but that doesn't automatically translate to fantasy success. We saw a big step back in his production when he was the No. 1 guy for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Smith-Schuster will likely have value as the No. 1 wide receiver in an offense, but he is going to be a mid to later-round draft pick for me if I want to draft him in fantasy football.