JuJu Smith-Schuster is basically a household name for anyone who's followed the NFL over the last decade. He’s that guy who managed to balance being a social media sensation with being a legitimate, Super Bowl-winning threat on the field. But honestly, if you're trying to keep track of his jersey changes lately, it’s been a bit of a whirlwind.
Since he entered the league back in 2017, JuJu has suited up for three different historic franchises. But there's a catch—he actually went back to one of them.
The Pittsburgh Era: Where It All Started
The Pittsburgh Steelers took a chance on JuJu in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He was just 20 years old. Think about that. Most of us were still figuring out how to do laundry at 20, and he was out there catching 97-yard touchdowns.
He stayed in Pittsburgh from 2017 through 2021.
Those early years were electric. You’ve probably seen the highlights of him and Antonio Brown forming one of the most dangerous duos in the league. In 2018, he put up a monster season with 111 catches for 1,426 yards. It felt like he was the future of the franchise.
Things got a little bumpy toward the end, though. Injuries started to creep in, especially a shoulder issue in 2021 that limited him to just five games. By the time his contract was up, it felt like both sides were ready for a fresh start.
What teams has JuJu Smith-Schuster played for since leaving Pittsburgh?
After his stint in the Steel City, JuJu headed to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022. It was a one-year "prove it" deal. And boy, did he prove it.
Playing with Patrick Mahomes is a wide receiver's dream. JuJu became a reliable target, racking up 933 yards and helping the Chiefs win Super Bowl LVII. He was literally at the top of the mountain.
But the business side of the NFL is weird. Instead of staying in KC, he signed a big three-year deal with the New England Patriots in 2023.
Honestly? It didn't go great.
The Patriots' offense was struggling, and JuJu dealt with nagging injuries. He only played 11 games in 2023, finishing with 260 yards. By August 2024, the Patriots decided to move on and released him.
The Homecoming to Kansas City
You can't keep a good connection down. As soon as he became a free agent in 2024, the Kansas City Chiefs scooped him back up.
He’s currently back with Mahomes and Andy Reid. As of the 2025 season, he’s still a key part of that rotation. Even if he isn't putting up the 1,400-yard seasons he had in his early 20s, he’s a veteran who knows the system.
In the 2025 regular season, he finished with 33 receptions for 345 yards. He even re-signed with the Chiefs on another one-year deal in March 2025, showing that the team really values his presence in that locker room.
A Quick Look at the Timeline:
- Pittsburgh Steelers (2017–2021): The breakout years and Pro Bowl selection.
- Kansas City Chiefs (2022): The Super Bowl ring.
- New England Patriots (2023): A short, injury-plagued stint.
- Kansas City Chiefs (2024–present): The veteran return.
Why His Journey Matters
JuJu holds some pretty wild records. He was the youngest player to ever reach 2,500 career receiving yards. He’s also the only player since the merger to put up those kinds of numbers (250+ catches and 3,300+ yards) before turning 24.
The transition from a "TikTok star" to a respected veteran hasn't always been smooth in the court of public opinion, but the stats don't lie. He’s played in 121 games as of January 2026. He’s been reliable when healthy.
Looking ahead, it's clear JuJu has found his "home" in Kansas City. He’s openly talked about how much he enjoys the system and the fans there. For a guy who has played for the Rooney family, Robert Kraft, and the Hunt family, he’s seen the best of the best in terms of NFL ownership.
If you're tracking his career for fantasy or just as a fan, keep an eye on his health. When he’s on the field, especially in Andy Reid’s offense, he’s still capable of those 100-yard games that made him a star in Pittsburgh.
The best way to stay updated on JuJu’s current status is to monitor the Chiefs' active roster and injury reports during the postseason and the upcoming 2026 free agency period.