As the NFL’s legal tampering period unfolded, the New England Patriots found themselves facing a critical loss. Their top receiver, Jakobi Meyers, had been lured away by the Raiders. However, the Patriots quickly sprang into action. They wasted no time in scouting a replacement to fill the void left by Meyers. Enter JuJu Smith-Schuster, the former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver.
Reports from NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Taylor Bisciotti reveal that Smith-Schuster has signed a lucrative three-year contract with the Patriots worth a staggering $33 million.
At just 26 years of age, Smith-Schuster is already a veteran of six seasons in the NFL. He has previously won a Super Bowl in 2023 as part of the Chiefs. He began his career with the Steelers under the tutelage of head coach Mike Tomlin before spending a season with Andy Reid at the Chiefs.
For the Patriots, Smith-Schuster’s arrival represents a wise signing, given their desperate need for a top-quality receiver. However, it seems that Meyers may not have taken kindly to the news of his replacement, suggesting that there could be some friction within the Patriots’ locker room.
What are the details of the JuJu Smith-Schuster 3-year contract?
Breaking down Smith-Schuster’s new contract with Patriots, insiders reveal that the deal has a base value of $25.5 million. It has a further $16 million in guaranteed money. Among the specifics are a $7.9 million signing bonus, as well as a fully guaranteed $1.1 million base salary for 2023. The 2024 base salary stands at $7 million, while the 2025 base salary is $6.5 million.
In addition, the deal features a per-game roster bonus of $58,823, up to a maximum of $1 million per year for 2023-25. There are also incentives for receiving yards in 2023 (up to $1.5 million), 2024 (up to $3 million), and 2025 (up to $3 million).
The Patriots will be paying Smith-Schuster a guaranteed $16 million over the next two years. But the deal will have a third-year option for the team. However, there are concerns about whether his personality will mesh with the Patriot Way, given the strict adherence to a team culture that has been a hallmark of the franchise.
In the past, players such as Chad Johnson have struggled to make the transition. And it remains to be seen whether Smith-Schuster will be able to adapt to the Patriots’ expectations. Nevertheless, with his size and versatility, he is a promising addition to the team’s offense, potentially creating mismatches and allowing them to shift up a gear.
In conclusion, JuJu Smith-Schuster’s move to the New England Patriots has been highly anticipated, especially with the NFL free agency frenzy. Only time will tell if this gamble pays off for both the Patriots and Smith-Schuster. But for now, his salary reflects the value he brings to the team.
