In March, the New England Patriots (1-2) signed WR JuJu Smith-Schuster to a three year, $33 million deal. Smith-Schuster was brought on to be an explosive weapon and the number one option for third-year QB Mac Jones, who was struggling to succeed with the limited receiving options around him.
Fast forward three weeks into the 2023-24 NFL season and Smith-Schuster’s performance has been far from ideal. Across all games, the former Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs receiver has recorded just nine receptions for 61 yards. In Smith-Schuster’s most recent performance against the New York Jets, he collected just five yards on a single reception.
The Patriots have been throwing the ball plenty, which makes Smith-Schuster’s early-season showing all the more troubling. Entering Week 3, Jones was on pace to break the single-season pass attempt record.
