The New England Patriots’ signing of wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster continues to be a very polarizing one. Some fans are happy with the signing, while others wish New England focused on getting a higher-quality player.
ESPN had mixed reactions to the signing as well. Smith-Schuster is coming off a year with the Kansas City Chiefs that saw him record 78 catches for 933 yards and three touchdowns. Now, he will look to bring that same type of production to a New England offense that needs a significant boost at wide receiver.
NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid and NFL front office insider Mike Tannenbaum labeled Smith-Schuster as the most head-scratching signing of free agency.
In an article for ESPN, Reid wrote:
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster to the New England Patriots. The Patriots needed wide receiver help, but with Jakobi Meyers getting an identical contract from the Raiders, why not just re-sign him? Smith-Schuster is coming off a productive season with the Chiefs, but Meyers is still the better player.
Tannenbaum appeared to agree with Reid’s thinking to some degree, which prompted him to write:
Smith-Schuster to the Patriots. While I like the player, I thought New England could have used more speed, rather than another possession receiver.
It remains to be seen how Smith-Schuster will fit into New England’s offense. He does give the Patriots a playmaking weapon at the wide receiver position. However, the Patriots could benefit from adding another threat, as the offense looks to turn the page following a disastrous 2022 campaign.
What we do know is, Smith-Schuster is a high-profile signing. Here’s to hoping it pays off.
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