The New England Patriots have released veteran wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who was entering the second season of a three-year, $25.5 million deal with the team. Smith-Schuster did not appear in New England's Thursday night preseason win against the Carolina Panthers, and his departure leaves the Patriots with a younger and less experienced group of receivers.
The New England Patriots have made a significant move by releasing veteran wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who had been entering the second season of a three-year, $25.5 million deal with the team. Smith-Schuster's departure leaves the Patriots with a younger and less experienced group of receivers, but it also frees up salary cap space that could be used to address other needs on the roster.
Smith-Schuster, 27, joined the Patriots last offseason after spending the first five seasons of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the 2022 season with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was expected to play a major role in New England's offense, but he struggled to make an impact in his first season, totaling just 29 receptions for 260 yards and one touchdown.
Smith-Schuster was also hampered by injuries last season, playing in just 11 games due to head and ankle injuries. He did not appear in New England's Thursday night preseason win against the Carolina Panthers, and his release comes as a bit of a surprise given his contract status.
With Smith-Schuster gone, the Patriots will rely on a younger group of receivers that includes Kendrick Bourne, K.J. Osborn, second-year player Demario Douglas and third-year player Tyquan Thornton. New England also selected two wide receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft, Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, who could compete for playing time this season.
The Patriots have been active in the trade market this offseason, exploring deals for San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams. However, it appears that New England will not be making any major additions to its receiver room via trade, and the focus will be on developing the young players already on the roster.
Smith-Schuster's release is a sign that the Patriots are willing to move on from veteran players who are not producing at a high level. It also gives the team more flexibility with its salary cap, which could be used to extend players like quarterback Mac Jones and cornerback J.C. Jackson.
The Patriots will open the regular season on September 11th against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Smith-Schuster's former team. It will be interesting to see how New England's offense performs without Smith-Schuster, and whether the team can find a consistent receiver to emerge as Jones' go-to target.
