The New England Patriots announced on Friday the release of veteran wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Smith-Schuster, who joined the Patriots last season, recorded 29 receptions for 260 yards and one touchdown over 11 games. He had signed a three-year, $25.5-million contract with $16 million guaranteed during the last offseason.
The 27-year-old wide receiver has faced challenges in recent years, particularly due to various injuries, and has struggled to replicate the form that earned him a Pro Bowl selection in 2018. During that standout season, Smith-Schuster posted 1,426 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 111 catches.
The decision to release Smith-Schuster comes after the Patriots bolstered their wide receiver corps in the 2023 NFL Draft, selecting Ja’Lynn Polk with the 37th overall pick and Javon Baker in the fourth round. The team’s wide receiver lineup also includes Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, and K.J. Osborn, among others.
Over his career, Smith-Schuster has amassed 5,048 receiving yards and 30 touchdowns in 90 games.
