May 2, 2024
ANALYSISOver the course of 11 regular-season games in his first year with the Patriots, Smith-Schuster recorded a 29-260-1 receiving line on 47 targets in 2023. Though the veteran wideout -- who is under contract with the team through 2025 -- is presumably past the ankle issue that landed him on IR in December -- New England's additions of free agent
K.J. Osborn and 2024 draftees (second-rounder
Ja'Lynn Polk and fourth-rounder
Javon Baker) to a wide receiver mix that also includes returnees
Kendrick Bourne (knee) and
Demario Douglas, clouds Smith-Schuster's depth chart standing ahead of training camp. With that in mind, both Callahan and
Chad Graff of The Athletic suggest that the 27-year-old pass-catcher could end up moving on as the offseason progresses.