Super Bowl wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster is fully healthy this year but he could seek a trade this offseason. According to a report, the USC product is confident that he’ll rebound in 2024 following a disastrous first season with the New England Patriots. The veteran informed reporters that he’s back in full health heading into the OTA’s with the team. He just underwent knee surgery after winning the Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs before signing a contract with the Patriots.
Smith-Schuster wasn’t able to be the player he was due to issues with his knee all season. New England signed the veteran wideout to a three-year, $33 million contract last offseason, but had career lows across the board last year. The 27-year-old finished the 2023 campaign with 29 catches for 260 yards and one touchdown. It may be because of the poor performance of the former quarterback, Mac Jones but he openly admitted he was never able to get back to 100% health.
However, this season certainly seems like the time for him to get back to his old self. The numbers he’s been putting up haven’t been able to match up with his salary. It would be surprising to see the Patriots moving on from the veteran considering he’s on a $7 million base salary. New England already lost out in the Calvin Ridley sweepstakes but they were able to add K.J. Osborn to their lineup.
However, the team is still looking for a new receiver despite him and Ja’lynn Polk joining Kendrick Bourne and Demario Douglas. Smith-Schuster will be competing for a roster spot with the likes of Kayshon Boutte, Tyquan Thorton and Javon Baker. Interestingly, it should be a surprise for anyone to imagine the veteran is competing for a spot on the roster.
Super Bowl Wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster “Fully Healthy,” Could Seek Trade
The Possibility is There
It’s difficult for one to realize that Smith-Schuster is heading into the offseason as a WR3 or WR4. He isn’t the player he was when he spent his NFL campaign with the Steelers and Chiefs. DeVante Parker was on the palm of their hands in their roster but he moved away for Philadelphia and now he’s retired. According to a source, the Patriots were actively trying to find trade partners so they could send either Smith-Schuster or Parker. It was probably easier said than done considering they were already armed with so much salary cap.
However, there’s still a possibility he could become a trade candidate if he doesn’t meet expectations. Smith-Schuster is coming off a lackluster season so they could move on if he doesn’t perform this year. The veteran still has two years in his deal and a $10 million cap hit so it wouldn’t do well financially. The trade market still looks robust with Tee Higgins and Brandon Aiyuk wanting new deals and may move on to a different team this offseason.
However, it would be a huge win for the Patriots who are in rebuilding mode and moving on from the Bill Belichick era. Here are some potential trade fits for Smith-Schuster.
Potential Trade Fits
They could be cutting the veteran if they can’t find a trade partner so it seems probable for it to happen. The Ravens are still looking for a WR3 and he would fit in nicely with an offense under Lamar Jackson. Rashod Bateman hasn’t been looking too promising despite his extension so it looks like Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews may have to carry again. Jackson needs a new bonafide weapon that’s a healthy scratch for an AFC Championship run and Smith-Schuster could be the answer.
The New Orleans Saints are still on a search for a proven wideout talent to help accommodate Chris Olave. Surprisingly, they aren’t making a move for Hunter Renfrow to reunite him with Derek Carr. However, they could make the biggest splash since the Stefon Diggs trade to land Smith-Schuster next month. Carolina is still looking to beef up the wide receiver position to help Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen.
They were able to do this in this year’s draft but a proven talent wouldn’t hurt for second-year quarterback, Bryce Young.
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