Former Kansas City Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, now with the Patriots, faces potential roster cut due to injuries and performance issues, despite returning to full health after a challenging season.

By the Numbers
  • Smith-Schuster had 29 catches, 260 yards, and 1 touchdown in seven games in the previous season.
  • The Patriots could save about $8.1 million against the cap over the next two years by releasing Smith-Schuster with a post-June 1 designation.
Yes, But

Smith-Schuster's return to full health may not have translated to improved performance on the field, raising concerns about his explosiveness and future with the team.

State of Play
  • Smith-Schuster faces stiff competition from young talents like Bourne, Douglas, Osborn, and others for a spot on the Patriots' roster.
  • New England holds a league-leading $45.6 million in cap space, making the financial impact of cutting Smith-Schuster more manageable.
What's Next

If released by the Patriots, Smith-Schuster could potentially join the Chiefs on an incentive-laden deal to mentor younger receivers and provide an offensive boost.

Bottom Line

Smith-Schuster's uncertain future with the Patriots highlights the challenges of balancing performance, injuries, and financial considerations in NFL roster decisions.