Patriots release Smith-Schuster

The New England Patriots announced the release of veteran wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on Friday.

Smith-Schuster spent just one year with the Patriots, recording 29 receptions for 260 yards and one touchdown in 11 games. He signed a three-year, $25.5-million deal with $16 million guaranteed last offseason.

The 27-year-old has struggled to replicate the success of his 2018 campaign in recent seasons, in part due to a variety of injuries. He made the Pro Bowl during that career year with 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns on 111 catches.

The Patriots' wide receiver room became crowded after the team selected Ja'Lynn Polk 37th overall and Javon Baker in the fourth round of the 2023 draft. New England also rosters Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, and K.J. Osborn, among others.

Smith-Schuster has tallied 5,048 yards and 30 touchdowns in 90 career games.