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It was sold in a one-year deal for $10.75 million. As we have known for nearly a week, this is not the case.
Chiefs wide receiver Juju Smith-Shuster signed a one-year, $3.25 million contract with the Chiefs. The deal includes an incentive package that could bring in another $7.5 million.
With the Tyreek Hill exchange, these incentives become much more relevant. We have received full information from a source with knowledge of the agreement.
For at least 40 receptions, Smith-Schuster earns another $500,000. For at least 50 appointments, this amount becomes $ 1 million. At 65 receptions, it reaches $1.5 million.
For at least 500 receiving yards, he gets another $500,000. For at least 650 receiving yards, that becomes $1 million. At 900 yards, the amount reaches the limit of $1.5 million.
For 45 percent of playing time, he receives another $500,000. Over 65 percent of playing time, that becomes $1.5 million.
For making it to the Pro Bowl, Smith-Schuster earns another $1 million.
The last $2 million is a combination of individual and team results. If Smith-Schuster plays in even 50% of the AFC Championship and if the Chiefs win the game, he will receive another $500,000 for 65 receptions in the regular season and another $500,000 for 900 receiving yards in the regular season. If Smith-Schuster plays in even 50% of the Super Bowl and if the Chiefs win, he will receive another $500,000 for 65 receptions in the regular season and another $500,000 for 900 receiving yards in the regular season.
Hill’s absence changes the Smith-Schuster calculus. He will most likely play more and possibly score more goals. But he’s also likely to enjoy unfavorable matchups given the defense won’t be focused on stopping both Hill and Travis Kelsey.
Here’s the real question. What did the Chiefs and Smith-Schuster know, and when did he find out about Tyreke Hill’s possible deal when Smith-Schuster signed with the Chiefs? Smith-Schuster agreed to the terms the day after the deal that saw Davante Adams go to the Raiders. And as agent Drew Rosenhouse said Thursday, the Adams deal changed everything.
Did the Chiefs know they were going to lose Hill when they convinced Smith-Schuster to accept a base package of just $3.25 million ($1.455 million signing bonus, $1.035 million salary, $250,000 training bonus, and $510,000 in bonuses) per game)? Did Smith-Schuster know?
If the answer to the first question is yes and the answer to the second question is no, then Smith-Schuster might have been able to get more than $3.25 million in base salary, as he would have known that executives have an increased need for the position.
Whatever the case, the Smith-Schuster experience with the Chiefs without Hill will be very different than with Hill. It’s entirely possible that Smith-Schuster had no idea that Hill would be leaving less than a week after Juju signed to his name.