JuJu Smith-Schuster is reportedly expected to be cut by the Patriots, just 1 year after signing a 3-year, $25 million deal. Smith-Schuster suffered a season-ending ankle injury ahead of Week 15 and is considered a high injury risk, being projected to miss more than two games this season, according to DraftSharks. Given his high injury risk, lack of production, and substantial contract, he is a likely candidate to become a cap casualty. Additionally, releasing Smith-Schuster would save the team $2.6 million in cap space for next season. While not a significant financial incentive, it would still provide some relief for New England.
Decline in Stats Since 2018
JuJu Smith-Schuster burst onto the NFL scene with a standout performance during his first two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, since 2018, his statistics have shown a noticeable decline, raising questions about his future in New England.
2018 Season: Smith-Schuster had a breakout year, recording 111 receptions for 1,426 yards and 7 touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Bowl and appeared to be on the path to becoming one of the league’s elite receivers.
2019 Season: The 2019 season marked the beginning of Smith-Schuster’s statistical decline. He played in only 12 games due to injuries, managing just 42 receptions for 552 yards and 3 touchdowns. The absence of Ben Roethlisberger for most of the season due to injury also contributed to his reduced production.
2020 Season: While Smith-Schuster’s numbers improved in 2020, they were still far from his 2018 peak. He finished the season with 97 receptions for 831 yards and 9 touchdowns. His average yards per reception dropped to 8.6, indicating a shift towards shorter, less impactful plays.
2021 Season: Smith-Schuster’s 2021 campaign was cut short by a shoulder injury, limiting him to just five games. He recorded 15 receptions for 129 yards and no touchdowns before being placed on injured reserve.
2022 Season: Moving to the Kansas City Chiefs on a one-year deal, Smith-Schuster saw a moderate resurgence, finishing with 78 receptions for 933 yards and 3 touchdowns. However, he still fell short of his early career highs and was often overshadowed by other offensive weapons on the Chiefs’ roster.
2023 Season: After signing with the Patriots, Smith-Schuster’s season was marred by a significant ankle injury ahead of Week 15, leading to a season-ending stint on the injured reserve list. His production in the games he did play was modest, further cementing concerns about his durability and consistency.
Injury Timeline
2017:
- Aug 11: Head Cranial Concussion Grade 1 – Suffered a concussion during the preseason opener, causing him to miss the following game.
- Oct 22: Head Cranial Concussion Grade 1 – Missed minimal time in Week 7 and returned for Week 8.
- Nov 16: Thigh Hamstring Sprain/Pull Unspecified Grade 1 – Missed Week 12 with an unspecified hamstring injury.
2019:
- Nov 14: Head Cranial Concussion Grade 1 – Sustained a concussion during a Week 11 game against the Browns, missing one game.
- Nov 14: Knee Patella Sprain – Suffered a left knee injury in the same Week 11 game, missing four games due to the injury.
2020:
- Sep 23: Knee Strain Grade 1 – Missed two days of practice ahead of the Week 3 game but played against the Texans.
- Nov 22: Pedal Foot – Suffered a foot injury during Week 11’s game against the Jaguars but was active for the next game.
2021:
- Sep 26: Chest Rib Bruise – Suffered a rib injury in the Week 3 game against the Bengals.
- Oct 10: Shoulder – Injured his right shoulder in Week 5 against the Broncos, causing him to miss 12 games.
2022:
- Aug 16: Knee Bruise – Experienced a knee bruise but recovered in time for the regular season.
- Nov 13: Head Cranial Concussion Grade 1 – Sustained a concussion during a game against Jacksonville.
2023:
- Oct 8: Head Cranial Concussion Grade 1 – Suffered a concussion in Week 5 against the Saints.
- Dec 12: Pedal Ankle Sprain Grade 2 – Experienced issues with an ankle injury ahead of Week 15, leading to a stint on IR.
Given his high injury risk and recent performance struggles, a return to the Steelers or Chiefs could offer the best opportunity for Smith-Schuster to revitalize his career.
Return to the Steelers:
- Familiar System: Rejoining the Steelers would provide Smith-Schuster with a system and coaching staff he knows well.
- Fan Support: The Pittsburgh fan base holds him in high regard, which could be a morale boost for a late-career comeback.
Return to the Chiefs:
- High-Powered Offense: The Chiefs’ dynamic offensive scheme under Patrick Mahomes could offer Smith-Schuster ample opportunities to shine.
- Championship Contender: Being part of a Super Bowl contender could reinvigorate his career and performance.
- Proven Chemistry: Having already shown good chemistry with Mahomes, Smith-Schuster could seamlessly reintegrate into the Chiefs’ system.
Conclusion
JuJu Smith-Schuster’s career has been a rollercoaster of early success followed by a series of injuries that have hampered his performance. His potential release from the Patriots offers a chance for a fresh start. A return to the Steelers or Chiefs, where he has familiar systems and supportive environments, might be the best path for him to reclaim his status as a top NFL receiver and overcome the challenges posed by his injury history.