Patriots Cut Juju Smith-Schuster: Chiefs and Saints Interested
The End of Juju Smith-Schuster’s Tenure in New England: What’s Next for the Wide Receiver?
The New England Patriots have officially parted ways with wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster following a lackluster debut season. The decision to release Smith-Schuster came on the heels of an uneventful preseason win against the Carolina Panthers. Just a year after New England chose him over Jakobi Meyers, the team is now pivoting towards a younger receiving corps. Smith-Schuster’s tenure with the Patriots was largely disappointing, culminating in a 2023 season where he recorded only 29 receptions for 260 yards and one touchdown.
Smith-Schuster’s departure from the Patriots signals a potential turning point in his career. Despite failing to make a significant impact on one of the weakest receiving units in the NFL, he may still have opportunities ahead. Given that the Patriots are obligated to pay him $7 million for the season, another team could potentially sign him for the veteran minimum, providing a low-risk option to see if he has anything left to offer. Although no major betting sites have posted odds on his next team, the Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints emerge as logical destinations.
Potential Landing Spots for Juju Smith-Schuster
Kansas City Chiefs
Smith-Schuster secured a $25 million deal after a successful stint with the Kansas City Chiefs, making it plausible for the reigning Super Bowl champions to consider bringing him back. On paper, the Chiefs appear well-stocked with offensive talent. Travis Kelce remains a top-tier tight end, Rashee Rice had a strong showing last year, and the additions of Marquise Brown and first-round pick Xavier Worthy seem like perfect fits for their offensive scheme. However, there are some underlying concerns that could open the door for Smith-Schuster’s return.
The Rashee Rice Situation
The most pressing issue is the impending suspension of Rashee Rice. The NFL has yet to announce the specifics, but it’s widely expected that Rice will face some form of disciplinary action. If Rice is sidelined for a substantial portion of the season, the Chiefs will need someone to step up. While Smith-Schuster may no longer possess the burst he had in his younger days, he has already established a rapport with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. This trust factor could make him a more appealing option compared to players like Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney. Given the minimal financial risk, the Chiefs might find it worthwhile to see if Smith-Schuster can recapture his 2022 form in a familiar environment.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints, consistently grappling with salary cap constraints, could also be a potential destination for Smith-Schuster. Although they have $10.7 million available in 2024 cap space, they are projected to be over the 2025 cap by $91 million. The Saints will likely need to restructure contracts to become cap compliant, making high-priced acquisitions unlikely. In this context, Smith-Schuster could be an ideal fit as a WR3 at a bargain price.
Filling the Michael Thomas Void
Chris Olave has established himself as a versatile receiver, and Rashid Shaheed is a credible deep threat. However, the Saints have struggled to find a suitable replacement for Michael Thomas. With one of the league’s weakest offensive lines, the Saints will need to find quick solutions. Signing Smith-Schuster could provide a reliable target who can get open quickly, thereby alleviating some pressure on the offensive line. While it’s uncertain if Smith-Schuster can excel in this role, his veteran minimum contract makes him a low-risk, high-reward option.
The Broader NFL Landscape
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are set to open the 2024 preseason against the Chicago Bears, and their 53-man roster is beginning to take shape. This game will provide a glimpse into the team’s depth and potential breakout players.
New England Patriots
Quarterback Bailey Zappe saw significant action in the Patriots’ first preseason game, potentially increasing his trade value. With the Patriots in a state of transition, every player’s performance is under scrutiny.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers, led by head coach Arthur Smith, will be closely watched during their first preseason game against the Houston Texans. The spotlight will be on the Steelers’ offense, which has undergone several changes.
Dallas Cowboys
The CeeDee Lamb trade rumors have intensified. A first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Lamb has steadily climbed the Cowboys’ depth chart, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier players. Last season, Lamb led the league with 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning First-Team All-Pro honors. Now entering the final year of his rookie contract, Lamb is seeking a new deal that reflects his value. However, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones appears reluctant to offer such a contract.
FAQs
What led to Juju Smith-Schuster’s release from the Patriots?
Smith-Schuster was released after a disappointing 2023 season where he recorded only 29 receptions for 260 yards and one touchdown. The Patriots decided to move forward with a younger receiving corps.
Could Juju Smith-Schuster find another team?
Yes, despite his recent struggles, Smith-Schuster could still attract interest from other teams. The Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints are considered potential destinations.
Why are the Kansas City Chiefs a potential landing spot?
Smith-Schuster had a successful stint with the Chiefs, and with the impending suspension of Rashee Rice, the team may need additional depth at the receiver position.
What makes the New Orleans Saints a suitable option?
The Saints have salary cap constraints and need a reliable WR3. Smith-Schuster could fill this role at a low cost, providing a quick target to ease the pressure on their weak offensive line.
What are the financial implications for the Patriots?
The Patriots are still obligated to pay Smith-Schuster $7 million for the season, making him a low-risk option for other teams interested in signing him for the veteran minimum.
Conclusion
The New England Patriots’ decision to cut Juju Smith-Schuster marks the end of a disappointing chapter in the wide receiver’s career. However, this does not necessarily mean the end of the road for him. Both the Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints present viable opportunities for Smith-Schuster to revive his career. While the Chiefs could benefit from his established rapport with Patrick Mahomes, the Saints could use his quick-release capabilities to alleviate pressure on their offensive line. As the NFL preseason unfolds, it will be interesting to see where Smith-Schuster lands and how he performs in a new environment.
