JuJu Smith-Schuster Released By Patriots; WR Signed $25.5M Contract in 2023
August 9, 2024
The New England Patriots released wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on Friday, the team announced.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport was first to report the news.
Smith-Schuster joined the Patriots as a free agent during the 2023 offseason, signing a three-year contract with the team worth roughly $25.5 million.
The 2018 Pro Bowl wideout failed to meet expectations during his first year in New England, hauling in just 29 passes for 260 yards and one touchdown in 11 appearances.
New England will take on about $9.63 million in dead money by releasing Smith-Schuster, per Over the Cap.
As the Patriots attempt to improve after owning the NFL's fifth-worst passing attack in 2023, the veteran was seemingly unable to stand out in a crowded wide receiver room.
NFL @NFLThe Zappe ➡️ Juju connection is working well tonight 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NEvsPIT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NEvsPIT</a> on Prime Video<br>Also available on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLPlus?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLPlus</a> <a href="https://t.co/0GJemAElFj">https://t.co/0GJemAElFj</a> <a href="https://t.co/UjypVq0l3t">pic.twitter.com/UjypVq0l3t</a>
"I would say that the competition level is very, very high," Smith-Schuster said on July 30, via Ben Volin of the Boston Globe.
The Patriots added several new faces at wide receiver after hiring Jerod Mayo as their new head coach. The team signed former Minnesota Vikings receiver K.J. Osborn as a free agent before adding Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker with second- and fourth-round picks in the 2024 draft, respectively.
Kendrick Bourne, who averaged a career-high 50.8 yards per game in eight appearances last season, is also expected to return and play in 2024 after suffering a season-ending torn ACL.
DeMario Douglas has a good chance to be the team's primary slot receiver after catching 49 passes for 561 yards last year.
As for Smith-Schuster, Rapoport noted on Friday that the release allows him to sign with other teams before 53-man rosters are finalized. The 27-year-old started his career off strong, racking up 2,343 yards and 14 touchdowns through his first two years in the NFL.
However, he wasn't able to surpass 1,000 yards in a season over the next five years.
As the Patriots prepare for Drake Maye to eventually take the starting job under center, Smith-Schuster won't be joining him in New England's offense.
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