New England Patriots fans patiently waited for the team to make a splash in free agency, and they did exactly that by going out and signing former Kansas City Chiefs receiver Juju Smith-Schuster.
The two sides reportedly agreed on a three-year, $33 million deal, which is a contract that probably feels like a slap in the face for former Patriots receiver Jakobi Meyers, who got the same deal from the Las Vegas Raiders.
But this was clearly a situation where the Patriots valued what Smith-Schuster could bring to the team over Meyers. Granted, one thing he doesn’t bring to the team is a No. 1 elite receiving option to strike fear into the hearts of opposing defenses.
Smith-Schuster has proven to be a better No. 2 on the field. When he isn’t carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, he can be a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. He’s also more physical than Meyers, who didn’t have as many explosive plays after the catch.
According to Pro Football Focus, Meyers finished the 2022 season averaging 3.6 yards after the catch, while Smith-Schuster racked up an average of 5.9 yards.
With that said, the Patriots still need a true No. 1 receiving option to make everything come together. Smith-Schuster becoming the focal point of opposing defenses doesn’t bode well for the team, no matter who is calling the offensive plays.
Adding a high-end playmaker on the outside, while Smith-Schuster works underneath, would be the move that finally takes the Patriots offense over the top.
More Patriots News!
Jakobi Meyers had two words for the Patriots’ Juju Smith-Schuster deal
Patriots sign Chiefs-leading receiver Juju Smith-Schuster
Patriots reportedly showing ‘serious’ interest in Juju Smith-Schuster
Story originally appeared on Patriots Wire