The end of the Juju Smith-Schuster Era in New England has come as the Patriots decided to cut ties with the wide receiver after a lackluster season. Despite his disappointing performance, Smith-Schuster’s football journey may continue elsewhere in the NFL.
After a subpar debut in Thursday’s preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, Smith-Schuster’s time with the Patriots came to an unceremonious end. With only 29 receptions for 260 yards and one touchdown in the 2023 season, the wideout failed to make a significant impact on a struggling New England receiving corps.
While this could spell the end for Smith-Schuster, there is still a glimmer of hope for the former second-round pick to land another opportunity in the league on a more modest contract. Despite being let go by the Patriots, he is still owed $7 million for the season, making him an attractive option for teams looking to add depth at the wide receiver position.
Potential landing spots for Smith-Schuster include the Kansas City Chiefs and the New Orleans Saints. The Chiefs, with their offensive firepower led by Travis Kelce and promising talents like Marquise Brown and Xavier Worthy, could benefit from bringing back a familiar face in Smith-Schuster.
On the other hand, the Saints are facing cap constraints but could use Smith-Schuster as a valuable WR3 option to complement their current receiving corps. With Michael Thomas’s future uncertain and a struggling offensive line, Smith-Schuster could provide a reliable target for quarterback Chris Olave and help alleviate pressure on the Saints’ front line.
While it remains to be seen where Smith-Schuster will land next, his skill set and experience in the league make him an intriguing option for teams in need of wide receiver depth. Whether he ends up with the Chiefs, the Saints, or another team altogether, Smith-Schuster’s football journey may not be over just yet.
As the NFL offseason progresses, the future of Juju Smith-Schuster in the league will continue to be a topic of speculation and interest among fans and pundits alike. Stay tuned for more updates on where the talented wide receiver may end up next.