In the NFL, past accomplishments are often not enough to open new doors. And the freshly released Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver, JuJu Smith-Schuster, knows it best as he gets a reality check.

Smith-Schuster joined the New York Giants on a free-agent deal on Monday, June 1. However, the Giants' entry comes with competition.

“Contract updates: Odell Beckham Jr., Juju Smith-Schuster and Braxton Berrios were all signed to minimum deals, per sources. They will have to earn their spots on the roster,” ESPN NFL Nation reporter Jordan Raanan reported on June 2. “No-risk propositions financially for the Giants.”

The Smith-Schuster signing comes one day after the Giants signed veteran wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Braxton Berrios.

All of the three deals are relatively inexpensive and carry little financial commitment from the team's perspective. After the typically short-term, low-cost agreements, the Giants will see who proves they can still contribute.

Beckham is naturally the headline-grabbing name of the group, considering his history with the Giants as a first-round pick in 2014, recording 5,476 yards for 44 touchdowns in five seasons with the Giants.

Limited to nine appearances over the past two seasons, Beckham enters the next chapter of his career at age 33. He missed six games last year due to a suspension.

On the other hand, in 91 career games for the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, and the Houston Texans, Berrios caught 140 passes for 1,360 yards and tallied 3,395 combined return yards.

Given Smith-Schuster's recent production and free-agent status, the deal makes sense for the Giants. 

The veteran wideout has played 121 games with 92 starts across nine NFL seasons, totaling 481 receptions for 5,624 yards and 33 touchdowns

While the contract gives Smith-Schuster another NFL opportunity, it comes with no guarantees regarding his place on the roster. 

Can Smith-Schuster Earn a Spot in New York's Crowded Receiver Room? 

The Giants have added multiple veteran receivers this offseason. Since the wide receiver room is dealing with injuries, including Gunner Olszewski's feared Achilles tear, they wanted reliable depth.

One factor working in Beckham's favor is his connection with Giants head coach John Harbaugh. The two spent the 2023 season together in Baltimore Ravens, and Harbaugh has continued to praise him this offseason.

Furthermore, since Olszewski is sidelined for the 2026 season, chances are high for Berrios to be his replacement at punt returner.

"While he is not expected to be a starter, he could be a solid veteran depth piece in a wide receiver room that is dealing with injuries ahead of 2026," wrote analyst Zach Wolphin of Smith-Schuster.

The 2026 campaign will be his 10th in the NFL, bringing eligibility for maximum pension benefits and a higher base salary.

With several receivers battling for places, training camp could determine whether the former Chiefs wideout earns a role in New York's offense.

Will Smith-Schuster find a spot for himself? Share your thoughts.

Read more at Kansas City Chiefs Community.

Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar