Patriots Reportedly Release JuJu Smith-Schuster, Accept Cap Penalty

It was only a matter of time before the New England Patriots finally pulled the trigger.

New England made the obvious decision to release wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on Friday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, bringing an end to his disappointing stint with the franchise.

The Patriots will incur a rather large penalty for cutting Smith-Schuster loose, taking on almost $10 million in dead money.

Smith-Schuster joined New England on a three-year, $33 million deal last offseason, essentially replacing Jakobi Meyers -- who joined the Las Vegas Raiders on a similar pact. Meyers recorded 71 catches for 807 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023, while Smith-Schuster finished his season with 29 catches, 260 yards and one touchdown.

It didn't make sense from the start, and hindsight certainly doesn't paint a pretty picture.

The 27-year-old previously spent five years with the Pittsburgh Steelers and one with the Kansas City Chiefs -- where he won Super Bowl LVII. He hasn't been the same player since that game, though, as persistent knee issues have kept him looking like a shell of his former self.

Smith-Schuster had fallen to the bottom of the depth chart during training camp, comfortably sat behind Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, Ja'Lynn Polk, K.J. Osborn, Jalen Reagor, Javon Baker, Tyquan Thornton and Kayshon Boutte. New England does him a solid by releasing him this early, though, as he'll have time to try and stick with another team.