Jerod Mayo explains why Patriots cut JuJu Smith-Schuster

JuJu Smith-Schuster’s tenure with the Patriots lasted just one season.

Despite signing a three-year, $33 million contract with New England in March, the 27-year-old has quickly become a secondary piece in a far-from-imposing Patriots offense. Persistent injuries have sapped much of the former Super Bowl champion’s explosiveness and separation ability.

Just days after New England decided to release Smith-Schuster, head coach Jerod Mayo was asked Sunday about the reasons for the decision to cut ties with the former free agent.

“It was a decision between Eliot (Wolf) and myself, really to give the younger guys an opportunity to get out there and get more reps, and show what they could do,” Mayo said.

Even though Smith-Schuster had two years left on his contract heading into this season, a spot on New England’s roster in 2024 was far from guaranteed — especially with the Patriots injecting a lot of youth into their receiving corps in recent years.

Initially envisioned as a reliable receiver in the same vein as Jakobi Meyers, Smith-Schuster saw a younger player in DeMario Douglas show more talent in a similar role with New England last fall.

This season, the Patriots added another pair of young receivers to the mix through the draft with Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, while New England also signed KJ Osborn in free agency.

Beyond what has quickly become a crowded receiver room, Smith-Schuster’s health and lack of explosiveness have limited his usefulness in New England’s offense.

After recording 78 receptions for 933 yards with the Chiefs in 2022, Smith-Schuster had just 29 receptions for 260 yards and a touchdown with New England last season. He was on the field for just 11 snaps in New England’s 17-3 preseason win over the Panthers on Thursday night.

“I mean, that’s part of the reason for the decision to part ways with Smith-Schuster,” Mayo said. “At the same time, we just want him to get healthy. He’s still got some good playing skills and I wish him nothing but the best.”

With Smith-Schuster released with two years remaining on his contract, New England is expected to incur a $9.6 million “dead money” cap charge on its books this year, as well as a $2.6 million dead money charge in 2025.

While there’s no guarantee that younger players like Polk or Baker will thrive with regular reps with New England in 2024, Smith-Schuster’s sore knee and lackluster results haven’t suggested the veteran will be able to shake up New England’s struggling offense next season.