Shi Smith Inks Reserve Deal with the Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs’ roster adjustments continued this week with the signing of wide receiver Shi Smith to a reserve/future deal, a move that adds depth to the team’s receiving corps while bringing in a player with both NFL experience and special teams versatility. Smith, a former sixth-round pick of the Carolina Panthers in 2021, spent the 2025 season on the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad after being waived by Carolina in August. The reserve/future deal—standard for teams looking to build depth ahead of the offseason—means Smith will join the Chiefs’ active roster once the 2025 regular season ends, giving him a chance to compete for a spot in training camp next year. For the Chiefs, the signing isn’t just about adding another body to the wide receiver room; it’s about targeting a player who fits Andy Reid’s offensive scheme and can contribute on special teams—a priority that became clear after the team waived Hal Presley earlier this month. Shi Smith Inks Reserve Deal with the Kansas City Chiefs thus explores the context of the signing, Smith’s fit with the Chiefs, and what it signals about the team’s offseason planning.

To understand why the Chiefs pursued Smith, it’s important to break down his career trajectory and the specific skills he brings to the table. Smith, a product of the University of South Carolina, played three seasons with the Panthers, appearing in 33 games and recording 49 catches for 463 yards and one touchdown. While he never emerged as a full-time starter in Carolina, he showed consistency as a slot receiver—an area where the Chiefs have sought to add depth behind Richie James. Smith’s ability to run precise routes (he recorded a 72tch rate in slot alignments during his time with the Panthers) and his experience as a punt returner (he returned 18 punts for 132 yards in 2022) make him a dual-threat option—exactly the type of player Reid values. Unlike Presley, who lacked special teams experience, Smith has logged significant snaps on punt coverage and return units, a trait that likely caught the Chiefs’ attention. “Shi is a player who has proven he can contribute in multiple phases,” said a Chiefs scouting department source. “He’s not just a wide receiver—he can help on special teams, which is huge for roster depth. That versatility is what made him an attractive target for us.” Shi Smith Inks Reserve Deal with the Kansas City Chiefs thus frames Smith’s skill set as a perfect match for the Chiefs’ needs.

The timing of Smith’s signing also ties directly to the Kansas City Chiefs’ earlier roster moves, particularly the waiver of Hal Presley in late November. When the Chiefs waived Presley, they opened up a spot in the wide receiver room that they’ve now filled with Smith—a deliberate choice to prioritize experience over potential. Presley, an undrafted rookie, showed promise in training camp but lacked the NFL reps and special teams background that Smith brings. For the Chiefs, who are focused on sustaining their status as AFC contenders, adding a player like Smith—someone who knows what it’s like to compete in regular-season games—reduces the learning curve next offseason. “When you sign a reserve/future deal, you’re not just looking for talent—you’re looking for players who can hit the ground running,” said general manager Brett Veach in a statement. “Shi has played in meaningful NFL games, he understands how to prepare, and he’s familiar with the demands of being a professional. That’s going to make him a valuable addition to our team next year.” The move also reflects the Chiefs’ philosophy of using reserve deals to supplement their roster with low-risk, high-reward players—Smith is still just 25 years old, meaning he has room to grow under Reid’s coaching. Shi Smith Inks Reserve Deal with the Kansas City Chiefs thus highlights how the signing addresses the gaps exposed by Presley’s waiver.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ decision to sign Smith also underscores their ongoing focus on special teams excellence—a cornerstone of their success under Reid and special teams coordinator Dave Toub. The Chiefs ranked 5th in the NFL in special teams DVOA this season, but they’re always looking to add players who can enhance that unit. Smith’s experience as a punt returner is particularly valuable: while Richie James has been solid in that role (11.2 yards per return), the Chiefs need a reliable backup to avoid overworking James during the playoffs and next season. Smith also has experience on punt coverage, where he recorded 12 tackles in his three seasons with the Panthers—another trait that aligns with Toub’s emphasis on physicality and attention to detail. “Special teams is where a lot of reserve players earn their spots,” Toub said in a recent interview. “You need guys who are willing to put their bodies on the line, who understand the schemes, and who can execute when the pressure is on. Shi has done all of that in the NFL, and that’s why he’s a good fit for us.” The Kansas City Chiefs’ focus on special teams isn’t just about winning regular-season games; it’s about building a roster that can handle the intensity of the playoffs, where a single special teams play can swing a game. Shi Smith Inks Reserve Deal with the Kansas City Chiefs thus emphasizes how Smith’s special teams experience adds value beyond his work at wide receiver.

Another key angle of Smith’s signing is how he fits into the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive scheme—specifically, Reid’s preference for versatile pass-catchers who can line up in multiple spots. Smith spent most of his time in Carolina as a slot receiver, but he also has experience lining up outside and in the backfield—flexibility that Reid often uses to create mismatches. The Chiefs’ wide receiver room currently features Kadarius Toney (a slot specialist), Skyy Moore (outside/ slot), and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (outside), but Smith’s ability to play multiple roles gives Reid more options when designing game plans. For example, Smith could spell James in the slot on third downs, line up outside to replace Moore in two-wide sets, or even take snaps as a gadget player in the backfield—something he did occasionally in Carolina. “Coach Reid loves players who can do more than one thing,” said former Chiefs wide receiver Sammy Watkins. “If you can line up in three spots and contribute on special teams, you’re going to get playing time. Shi has that ability, and that’s going to help him compete for a spot next year.” The Kansas City Chiefs’ offense thrives on unpredictability, and Smith’s versatility will only enhance that—making it harder for defenses to game-plan against them. Shi Smith Inks Reserve Deal with the Kansas City Chiefs thus shows how Smith’s fit with the offense extends beyond basic depth.

Looking ahead, Smith’s reserve deal with the Chiefs is a low-risk move that could pay off in multiple ways. In the short term, he’ll have a chance to learn Reid’s offense and Toub’s special teams schemes during the offseason, giving him a head start on training camp. In the long term, he could emerge as a key depth player—especially if the Chiefs lose any wide receivers to free agency this offseason (James is set to become an unrestricted free agent). Even if he doesn’t earn a spot on the active roster, Smith could provide valuable depth on the practice squad, where he can be elevated on game days if needed. For the Kansas City Chiefs, the signing is a classic example of their roster-building strategy: identify players with proven NFL skills, sign them to low-cost deals, and let their coaching staff maximize their potential. “We’re always looking for ways to get better, even in the offseason,” Veach said. “Shi is a player who has shown he can contribute in this league, and we’re excited to give him a chance to do that in Kansas City.” As the Chiefs prepare for another playoff run, moves like this—focused on depth, versatility, and experience—will be critical to their success. Shi Smith Inks Reserve Deal with the Kansas City Chiefs thus concludes by highlighting how the signing fits into the Chiefs’ broader goal of building a championship-caliber roster that can compete year after year.