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The New England Patriots released veteran wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on Friday, ending his brief tenure with the team. Smith-Schuster had joined the Patriots in the 2023 offseason, signing a three-year, $25 million contract with $16 million guaranteed, as one of the primary targets of the previous regime led by Bill Belichick.
Despite the guaranteed money, the Patriots will now have to account for $9.6 million in salary cap space for Smith-Schuster this year after his release. His departure comes as the team transitions to a younger receiving corps, which includes rookie wideouts Ja’Lynn Polk, a second-round pick, and Javon Baker, selected in the fourth round.
Smith-Schuster’s Struggles and Injuries
Smith-Schuster, 27, faced challenges from the start of training camp, struggling to secure a roster spot amid the influx of younger talent. Multiple dropped passes during camp further hurt his chances. Last season, he played in 11 games for the Patriots, recording 29 catches for 260 yards and one touchdown.
Smith-Schuster had previously explained that his shorter offseason, following a Super Bowl-winning campaign with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022, impacted his recovery and preparation. He was also dealing with a lingering knee injury when he initially joined the Patriots.
Competition Heats Up for Roster Spots
The Patriots’ new leadership, under executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and head coach Jerod Mayo, is focusing on younger players at the receiver position. Alongside Polk and Baker, the team is building around second-year slot receiver DeMario Douglas and fifth-year veteran K.J. Osborn, who was signed as a free agent this offseason after playing with the Minnesota Vikings.
With Smith-Schuster’s release, competition for the remaining roster spots intensifies. Contenders include 2022 second-round pick Tyquan Thornton, 2023 sixth-round pick Kayshon Boutte, and fifth-year veteran Jalen Reagor.
In the Patriots’ preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night, which they won 17-3, Smith-Schuster played 11 snaps but did not receive a pass.
This report used information from ESPN.
