Lower than 24 hours after the New England Patriots’ first preseason recreation on Thursday, they determined to half with one among their veteran broad receivers.
In line with NFL insider Jordan Schultz, New England is releasing broad receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who signed a three-year, $33 million cope with the crew final March.
The transfer itself wasn’t stunning after the Patriots used second- and fourth-round picks on broad receivers Ja’Lynn Polk (No. 37) and Javon Baker (No. 110) within the 2024 NFL Draft and each have impressed all through coaching camp.
So what’s subsequent for Smith-Schuster?
The previous second-round choose will probably get one other shot elsewhere as he’s nonetheless solely 27, however the crew that drafted him — the Steelers — should not entertain a reunion.
Whereas Smith-Schuster helped ship a Tremendous Bowl to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs two seasons in the past, he has fallen off since.
In 2023, he registered solely 29 catches for 260 yards and one landing in 11 video games whereas battling knee points.
Smith-Schuster stated he was 100% wholesome in Could.
“It is not straightforward coming off a knee damage and having a protracted season and coming again actually quick,” Smith-Schuster said through Jared Dubin of CBS Sports activities. “I really feel nice, truthfully. I really feel nice. I’ve by no means felt higher. I am simply excited to lastly be out right here round this time and collaborating.”
Nevertheless, New England should have felt otherwise as he entered the season buried on the depth chart.
Smith-Schuster wouldn’t solely deliver well being issues again to Pittsburgh however doubtlessly some pointless distractions as nicely.
The Steelers felt it was time to maneuver on from him following the 2021 season as he was extremely criticized for his exercise on social media. They need to proceed to belief that call.
Pittsburgh has been trying to find a extra established No. 2 choice reverse George Pickens, however Smith-Schuster shouldn’t be distinctly higher than Van Jefferson, who at present holds that function.
As an alternative, the Steelers ought to proceed placing their effort and time into attempting to amass broad receiver Brandon Aiyuk from the 49ers.
Possibly Smith-Schuster can then be part of San Francisco as Aiyuk’s alternative. That is a reunion the USC product would probably entertain.