What Happened to John Sherman "JuJu" Smith-Schuster?
JuJu Smith-Schuster is an American professional football wide receiver who gained prominence with the Pittsburgh Steelers, won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs, and had stints with the New England Patriots before signing with the New York Giants in 2026. As of August 18, 2026, he is reportedly being released by the Giants due to a crowded receiver room and ongoing injury concerns.
Quick Answer
JuJu Smith-Schuster, after a career that included a Pro Bowl selection with the Steelers and a Super Bowl win with the Chiefs, signed with the New York Giants in June 2026. However, as of August 18, 2026, the Giants are reportedly planning to release him to make room for running back Najee Harris. This decision comes amidst a crowded wide receiver corps and Smith-Schuster's ongoing battle with a knee injury, which prevented him from playing in the Giants' first preseason game. He will not have played a regular-season snap for the Giants.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers
JuJu Smith-Schuster was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round (62nd overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Youngest Player to Score 5 TDs
Became the first player to score five touchdowns before his 21st birthday, highlighting his immediate impact as a rookie.
First Pro Bowl Selection & Team MVP
Smith-Schuster had a career-best season with 111 receptions for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection as an alternate and being voted team MVP by his teammates.
Re-signs with Steelers on One-Year Deal
After his rookie contract expired, Smith-Schuster re-signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year, $8 million contract.
Suffers Season-Ending Shoulder Injury
In Week 5 of the 2021 season, Smith-Schuster suffered a severe shoulder injury against the Denver Broncos, ending his season prematurely.
Signs with Kansas City Chiefs
Smith-Schuster signed a one-year, incentive-heavy contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, seeking a fresh start after his injury-shortened 2021 season.
Wins Super Bowl LVII with Chiefs
He played a key role in the Chiefs' Super Bowl LVII victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, catching seven passes for 53 yards.
Signs with New England Patriots
Smith-Schuster signed a three-year, $33 million contract (with a base of $25.5 million) with the New England Patriots.
Released by New England Patriots
After an underwhelming season plagued by injuries, the Patriots released Smith-Schuster, just one year into his three-year contract.
Returns to Kansas City Chiefs (Second Stint)
Smith-Schuster re-signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on a one-year deal, reuniting with the team he won a Super Bowl with.
Re-signs with Chiefs for 2025 Season
He signed another one-year contract to remain with the Kansas City Chiefs for the 2025 NFL season.
Signs with New York Giants
Smith-Schuster signed a one-year, $1.3 million veteran minimum contract with the New York Giants.
Giants Reportedly Plan to Release
The New York Giants are reportedly planning to release JuJu Smith-Schuster to make room for running back Najee Harris, ending his tenure before playing a regular-season game.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
JuJu Smith-Schuster's NFL journey began with high expectations and immediate impact after being selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He quickly became a fan favorite and a productive receiver, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2018 after recording 111 receptions for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns. Known for his physical play and engaging social media presence, Smith-Schuster was a key offensive weapon for the Steelers for five seasons, though his final year in Pittsburgh (2021) was cut short by a severe shoulder injury.
In 2022, Smith-Schuster signed a one-year, incentive-laden contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, a move that proved highly successful. He played a crucial role in the Chiefs' offense, finishing the season with 78 receptions for 933 yards and three touchdowns, and ultimately winning Super Bowl LVII. This championship run marked a significant turning point, showcasing his ability to contribute to a winning team.
Following his Super Bowl victory, Smith-Schuster signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the New England Patriots in March 2023. However, his tenure in New England was largely disappointing. He struggled with a lingering knee injury from the 2022 season and an ankle injury, limiting him to 29 catches for 260 yards and one touchdown in 11 games during his lone season with the team. The Patriots released him on August 9, 2024, incurring significant dead cap space.
Smith-Schuster then returned to the Kansas City Chiefs, signing a one-year deal on August 26, 2024, effectively at a veteran minimum as the Patriots were still on the hook for a portion of his previous guaranteed money. He re-signed with the Chiefs again on March 15, 2025, for another one-year contract. During his second stint with the Chiefs, he played in Super Bowl LIX in the 2024 season and recorded 33 catches for 345 yards and a touchdown across 17 games in 2025.
His most recent move saw him sign a one-year, $1.3 million veteran minimum contract with the New York Giants on June 2, 2026. This was seen as a low-risk, high-reward signing for the Giants, hoping his veteran presence and versatility could bolster their receiving corps. However, his time with the Giants appears to be ending before it truly began. As of August 18, 2026, reports indicate the Giants are releasing Smith-Schuster to make room for newly acquired running back Najee Harris. This decision is attributed to a crowded wide receiver room and Smith-Schuster's ongoing knee injury, which kept him out of the team's first preseason game. His current status is that of an unsigned free agent, looking for his next opportunity in the NFL.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if John Sherman "JuJu" Smith-Schuster made different choices?