MOVING ON
‘What a fall from grace,’ say fans as ex-Super Bowl champion is left unemployed weeks before new NFL season
The Atlanta Falcons could make a move for the veteran wide receiver
JUJU Smith-Schuster has been left unemployed weeks before the NFL season after being released by the New England Patriots.
Smith-Schuster helped the Kansas City Chiefs win the Super Bowl two years ago.
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The 27-year-old was entering the second year of a three-year, $25.5 million deal with the Patriots.
But the veteran wide receiver struggled to impress during his time with New England has he battled a series of injuries.
He caught 29 passes for 260 yards last season, with just touchdown.
Smith-Schuster played just 11 snaps in New England’s preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night.
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He received zero targets in the exhibition game.
"What a fall from grace since his time at Pittsburgh," one fan said.
"This fall off must be studied," another fan said.
"Interested to see where he lands," a third fan noted.
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Smith-Schuster was drafted in the second round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017.
He had a career-best season a year later, with 111 catches for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns.
Juju Smith-Schuster paid tribute to an English soccer legend with his punchbag touchdown celebration
Smith-Schuster joined the Chiefs in 2022 and played a key role in their Super Bowl victory against the Philadelphia Eagles that season.
He contributed 78 catches for 933 yard, with three touchdowns in that resurgent season.
Smith-Schuster has a fully-guaranteed salary of $7 million from the Patriots for the 2024 season.
The move also comes with the Patriots looking to reduce the age of their roster as they look to rebuild.
Patriots Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker are likely to now be given a chance to show their worth next season.
Other Patriots receivers include JaQuae Jackson, David Wallis, Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Tyquan Thornton, Kawaan Baker, Jalen Reagor, K.J. Osborn, and Kendrick Bourne.
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Despite his inconsistent form, Smith-Schuster is likely to have a number of options for the coming season, including the Los Angeles Chargers, Atlanta Falcons and Eagles.
The Falcons are looking for a new wide receiver with Rondale Moore out with a season-ending injury.
The wideout was taken to hospital after the devastating blow which took place during a pre-season scrimmage with the Miami Dolphins.
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Moore, 24, had an air cast put on his right leg after he collapsed in the left corner of the end zone during the 11-on-11 practice.
Players from both teams took a knee as medical staff worked on the former Purdue receiver.
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