‘What a fall from grace,’ fans say as former Super Bowl champion finds himself unemployed weeks before new NFL season

JUJU Smith-Schuster found himself out of work 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.

5

5

The 27-year-old was entering the second year of a three-year, $25.5 million contract with the Patriots.

But the veteran wide receiver struggled to impress during his time in New England as he battled a series of injuries.

He caught 29 passes for 260 yards last season, with just a touchdown.

Smith-Schuster played just 11 snaps in New England’s preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night.

He received zero targets in the exhibition game.

“What a fall from grace since his time in Pittsburgh,” said one fan.

“This drop should be studied,” said another fan.

“Interested to see where it lands,” noted a third fan.

Smith-Schuster was drafted in the second round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017.

He had the best season of his career a year later with 111 receptions for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns.

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 receptions for 933 yards with three touchdowns in that resurgent season.

Smith-Schuster has a fully guaranteed $7 million salary from the Patriots for the 2024 season.

The move also comes as the Patriots look to reduce the age of their roster as they look to rebuild.

Patriots Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker will likely now have a chance to prove themselves next season.

Other Patriots receivers include JaQuae Jackson, David Wallis, Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Tyquan Thornton, Kawaan Baker, Jalen Reagor, KJ Osborn and Kendrick Bourne.

5

Despite his inconsistent form, Smith-Schuster will likely have several options for next 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 the hospital after the devastating hit during a preseason friendly game with the Miami Dolphins.

Moore, 24, received a cast on his right leg after collapsing in the left corner of the end zone during 11-on-11 practice.

Players from both teams knelt as medical staff worked on the former Purdue receiver.

5