Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
According to sources, the Patriots have released wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Smith-Schuster signed a three year, $25.5 million dollar contract last off-season. He was supposed to off-set the loss of Jakobi Meyers but the veteran receiver struggled finishing with 29 catches for 260 yards with one touchdown in 11 games last season.
Source: The #Patriots are releasing WR JuJu Smith-Schuster. While a surprise, this move does give Smith-Schuster the chance to sign somewhere before the season. pic.twitter.com/r4ydvyXcYC
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 9, 2024
The Patriots will incur a dead cap hit of $9.6 million in 2024 and $2.6 million in 2025 after releasing with Smith-Schuster.
Smith-Schuster’s release is not a surprise. He just never fit into the system last season and it did not look like he going to fit in this season either despite maintaining a positive attitude.
The move now opens the door for several of the young receivers most notably Kayshon Boutte who is coming off of a strong performance last night catching 3 passes for 53 yards.
The Patriots made a strong run at 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk after agreeing to a deal with San Francisco but they backed off when it became apparent he wasn’t going to sign here long term.
The Patriots like their young receivers. Now they will have a chance to grow and develop, especially with Drake Maye. Similar to what the Packers have done with Jordan Love and their young receivers.