The New England Patriots have officially announced their decision to release veteran receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster from the team. Despite speculation that the Patriots were looking for potential trade offers, no such deals materialized. The primary reason for the lack of interest in Smith-Schuster was his hefty $7 million salary for the 2024 season, a fully guaranteed amount.

Smith-Schuster, 27, joined the Patriots in 2023, signing a three-year, $25.5 million contract that included $16 million in fully guaranteed payments. However, the high salary combined with the uncertainty surrounding the receiver's performance and injury history made a trade with another team impractical. Subsequently, the Patriots could have potentially considered a low-level draft pick offer, with the team bearing a significant portion of Smith-Schuster's salary.

The timing and rationale behind the Patriots' decision to release Smith-Schuster remains unclear. Notably, this move comes amidst discussions about the Patriots' recent string of contract extensions, leading some to praise the shrewd decision-making of former coach and de facto General Manager Bill Belichick. In this analogy, the departure of Smith-Schuster is likened to a half gallon of expired milk, suggesting that the receiver may no longer meet the team's expectations.

Nevertheless, Smith-Schuster's release presents an opportunity for other teams to acquire a talented receiver at a potentially reduced cost. Given his physicality and previous success in Pittsburgh, a return to the Steelers cannot be ruled out. Another likely destination could be the Kansas City Chiefs, where the coaching staff is well acquainted with Smith-Schuster's abilities.

As Smith-Schuster hits the free-agent market, the Patriots will be eligible for an offset against whatever compensation he may earn with another team, likely at the veteran minimum. This development may entice several franchises to consider signing the receiver, capitalizing on his potential to perform at a high level if he can overcome his injury concerns.

While the Patriots' attempt to find a trade partner for Smith-Schuster did not materialize, the receiver's release provides an opportunity for him to find a new team and for the Patriots to reallocate resources in their pursuit of success in the upcoming season. Only time will tell where Smith-Schuster's journey in the NFL will take him next.