According to an insider source, the Patriots informed Smith-Schuster of their decision on Friday.

Smith-Schuster, who had signed a lucrative three-year, $25 million contract with the team during the 2023 offseason, was considered a key acquisition by the former regime under Bill Belichick. The deal included $16 million in guaranteed money, which means the team will need to account for $9.6 million of salary cap space for Smith-Schuster this year, despite his release.

During training camp, it became apparent that Smith-Schuster faced an uphill battle to secure a spot on the roster. The emergence of rookie receivers Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, drafted in the second and fourth rounds respectively, added young talent to the team and increased competition. Additionally, Smith-Schuster's chances were hindered by several dropped passes during training camp.

Known as a consummate professional, Smith-Schuster played in 11 games for the Patriots last season, accumulating 29 catches for 260 yards and one touchdown. However, he revealed that the shorter offseason due to winning a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022, coupled with a lingering knee injury, had impacted his performance during his time with the Patriots.

Under the new leadership of executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and head coach Jerod Mayo, the Patriots are shifting towards a younger receiving corps. Alongside Polk and Baker, second-year slot receiver DeMario Douglas is seen as a core player, and fifth-year veteran K.J. Osborn, formerly of the Minnesota Vikings, has also been given significant responsibilities after signing a one-year deal as a free agent.

With limited spots available on the roster, prospects such as 2022 second-round pick Tyquan Thornton, 2023 sixth-round pick Kayshon Boutte, and fifth-year veteran Jalen Reagor are all competing for a place on the team.

Interestingly, the Patriots managed to secure a 17-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers in their preseason opener. Smith-Schuster played 11 snaps during the game but was not targeted with a pass.

The release of JuJu Smith-Schuster marks a significant shift in the Patriots' wide receiver strategy, prioritizing youth and potential over veteran experience. As the team continues their preseason preparations, fans eagerly await the final roster decisions before the start of the regular season.