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Receiver Richie James Signs with Kansas City Chiefs

James, who revitalized his career with the Giants last season, now moves on to the defending Super Bowl champions.

Wide receiver Richie James, who revitalized his playing career with the New York Giants last season, is headed to Kansas City, according to the NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

James, who logged career highs in receptions (57), receiving yards (569), and touchdowns (four), signed with the Giants last off-season after spending the first three years of his career with eh 49ers, who selected him in the seventh round of the 2018 draft.

James missed the 2021 season due to a knee injury, and with it, his spot on the 49ers, who chose not to retain him. When he signed with the Giants, he did so as a potential backup slot receiver option for Kadarius Toney. However, when Toney decided to skip parts of the off-season program last year or was sidelined due to injury, James showed the coaching staff he knew the playbook and earned a more prominent role. 

James, who also served as the team's punt returner, overcame a disastrous outing against Seattle in which he muffed two punts in the Giants' loss. But when cornerback Adoree' Jackson, who had taken over the punt return duties for him, suffered a knee sprain, James returned to the role. He finished out the season not only as the punt returner but also as the Giants leader in receiving yardage.

The Giants signed receivers Jeff Smith, Parris Campbell, and Jamison Crowder this off-season. They also brought back Sterling Shepard, Isaiah Hodgins, and Darius Slayton to compete for roster spots along with Wan'DAle Robinson, DavidSills V, and Colin Johnson.