The Patriots announced on Friday that veteran wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster had been released from the training camp roster.
On Sunday, head coach Jerod Mayo opened his pre-practice media availability with comments about the release, saying that the move was made to give young wide receivers more of an opportunity to prove themselves as camp rolls along.
Mayo said, “It was a decision between Eliot [Wolf] and myself, really to give the younger guys an opportunity to go out there and, you know, get more reps and show what they can do.”
Smith-Schuster came into last season with a knee injury, and had lost a lot of explosiveness from his game that had previously been there with the Steelers and Chiefs. The combination of an injured knee and inconsistent quarterback play in 2023 led to a subpar year for the former Pro Bowl wideout.
He only appeared in 11 games, being held to 29 catches for 260 yards and 1 touchdown.
When asked if the injury history was a part of the decision to release Smith-Schuster, Mayo admitted that it was a factor.
“That’s part of it,” said Mayo. “At the same time, we just wanted him to get healthy. He’s still got some good ball left in him, and I wish him nothing but the best.”
So it’s out with the old, in with the new at wide receiver for the Patriots, as they make way for rookies Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker to have a greater impact during practice and preseason competition.
K.J. Osborn, who will be entering his fifth season as a pro, has been impressed with what he’s seen from the young group 12 days into training camp.
“[They’re] really good, man. I’m impressed,” said Osborn, who most recently played alongside a generational talent in Justin Jefferson with the Vikings. “I’m excited for the season. Like I said, we added some young guys. We already got some guys in the room. And, you know, a lot of these guys, they actually don’t have that much experience playing.
“Maybe like [Kendrick Bourne], or you know, was [Smith-Schuster] and myself. But, you know, these guys are out here making plays. And, you know, these preseason games are really important. The joint practice will be really important. But these guys, they come to work everyday. They work very hard, they love the game, and it’s been exciting.”
One of those young receivers who will get more of a chance to shine with the departure of Smith-Schuster is second-year player Kayshon Boutte. After only appearing in five games during his rookie season, there were questions of whether or not Boutte would have a spot on the 2024 roster.
And while those questions still remain unanswered, Boutte has put himself in a position to make the Patriots think long and hard about parting ways with the once highly-touted wide receiver out of LSU.
During Thursday night’s preseason opener, Boutte led all pass catchers with 53 yards receiving on 3 catches.
“I feel like we’re all fighting for a job, but there’s not a doubt in my mind that I’m gonna make the team,” said Boutte. “I feel like I’m doing everything that I’m supposed to to make the team. And I feel like I’m gonna do more.”
With Smith-Schuster gone, he will have more opportunities to “do more.”
“I mean, [Smith-Schuster] is a great person. You know, it’s kind of a part of the business, it sucks that he got released,” said Boutte. “But opportunities for us, like you said. We just gotta go out and show that we deserve to be here.”
Day 13 of training camp gets underway on Monday morning, one day away from the much-anticipated joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles.
We’ll see if the young receivers continue to shine against one of the best teams in the NFC.