In a surprising move, the New England Patriots have announced the release of wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Smith-Schuster, who joined the Patriots as a free agent in the 2023 offseason, failed to live up to expectations during his first year with the team.

During his stint with the Patriots, Smith-Schuster struggled to make an impact on the field, recording only 29 receptions for 260 yards and one touchdown in 11 appearances. These lackluster numbers left much to be desired from the former Pro Bowl wideout.

The decision to release Smith-Schuster will incur a significant financial cost for the Patriots, as they will take on approximately $9.63 million in dead money, as reported by Over the Cap. However, New England seems determined to address their lackluster passing attack, which ranked fifth-worst in the NFL last season, and Smith-Schuster's underwhelming performance did not help their cause.

Adding further depth to their receiving corps, the Patriots have made several moves during the offseason. They signed former Minnesota Vikings receiver K.J. Osborn as a free agent, and in the 2024 draft, they selected Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker with their second and fourth-round picks, respectively. Additionally, Kendrick Bourne, who showcased promise last season with a career-high average of 50.8 yards per game before a season-ending injury, is expected to return to the field in 2024.

As the Patriots seek to rebuild their receiving unit for the upcoming season, it appears that Smith-Schuster simply did not stand out among the new additions and returning players. With the team looking to improve their offensive firepower, the decision to part ways with Smith-Schuster may prove to be a necessary step towards achieving their goals.

While Smith-Schuster's release may come as a disappointment to some fans, the Patriots' front office and coaching staff are determined to create a winning combination of talent and chemistry within the team. As the new season approaches, Patriots followers eagerly await the unveiling of their revamped receiving corps and the potential it holds for a more potent passing attack in 2024.