After months of speculation, the Kansas City Chiefs have decided not to bring back wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, bringing an end to his second stint with the Chiefs. And this decision left many fans devastated. 

Smith-Schuster has joined the New York Giants on a free-agent deal. The Chiefs officially confirmed his departure on X on June 2.

“Wishing you the best. Thanks for Everything, #TeamJuJu,” the Kansas City Chiefs official account on X posted on June 2.

Originally a second-round pick (No. 62 overall) in the 2017 NFL Draft, he played five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2022, he signed with the Chiefs for one season before signing with the New England Patriots.

His second stint with the Chiefs was between 2024 and 2025. Joining Kansas City for the second time, his most unforgettable performance in a Chiefs uniform arrived in Super Bowl LVII, where he became Patrick Mahomes' trusted weapon as Kansas City rallied from 10 points down to secure the victory.

Smith-Schuster delivered when the Chiefs needed him most. He tallied six catches for 48 yards after halftime. Not just the stat sheet. His impact extended beyond that.

The wide receiver drew a key holding penalty on James Bradberry during the Chiefs' decisive drive. It helped set up the winning field goal.

While many fans were disappointed by the move, others used the moment to thank Smith-Schuster for his contributions.  

Fans Remember Smith-Schuster's Biggest Moments With Chiefs

A fan thanked Smith-Schuster for always delivering in the crucial moment. “Juju deserved this thank you 100x. The guy came up clutch and did the dirty work nobody else wants to do, and he did it well,” the comment read. He had five catches against the New Orleans Saints during Monday Night Football back in 2024.

To another fan, it's a mixed feeling to see the wide receiver leave. “Man, this hurts. Thank you for everything, #TeamJuJu. You’re a CHAMPION, and always will be,” he wrote. 

The veteran has played 121 games with 92 starts across nine NFL seasons. In his first season with the Chiefs, he caught 78 passes for 933 yards and three touchdowns.

While he had two stints with the Chiefs, a fan followed his journey even before Kansas City signed him. “Juju, loved you since your Steelers days and was so grateful to have you on the Chiefs. Thanks for all your contributions,” he commented. 

During his rookie season with the Steelers, he finished his first season with 58 receptions for 917 yards and seven touchdowns.

“Sad to think he was the best wideout we’ve had for the last 3 d*** years,” another fan responded. 

While Smith-Schuster's stint in Kansas City has come to an end, the reaction from fans showed that his contributions to the franchise will not be forgotten anytime soon.

What are your favorite games from his time in Kansas City? Share your thoughts.

Read more at Kansas City Chiefs Community.

Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar