The New England Patriots need a No. 1 wide receiver, but its free-agent acquisition is ready to work.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, a former Pro Bowler, got selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
RELATED: Patriots give QB Mac Jones a star wide receiver in NFL free agency
He was picked up by the Pittsburgh Steelers (2017-21) where he had his best season in 2018. Smith-Schuster recorded a career-high 1,426 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 111 receptions. He made the Pro Bowl that season as he played in a career-high 16 games, including 13 starts for the Steelers. Smith-Schuster made the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team in 2017 with 917 yards receiving and seven touchdowns on 58 catches. He had a career-high nine touchdown catches for the Steelers in 2020, but Smith-Schuster spent the last two years in Kansas City. He helped the Chiefs defeat Philadelphia in Super Bowl LVII. Mac Jones enters his third season as a quarterback for New England. After a great rookie campaign, Jones endured struggles last year. He had Matt Patricia, a defensive-minded assistant, calling offensive plays and dysfunction occurred. Many look at next fall as a “prove it” year for Jones, especially with some calling for Bailey Zappe.
Smith-Schuster believes in the former Alabama signal-caller. He is “ready to ride” with Jones.
JuJu Smith-Schuster on Mac Jones: “He has a lot of potential, I can’t wait to ride with him”
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) March 21, 2023
JuJu Smith-Schuster on @ZoandBertrand about Mac Jones;
“He was a rookie pro bowler. Dude has a lot of potential.”
— Babz (@BabzOnTheMic) March 21, 2023
New England is trying to surround Jones with playmakers. We will see how this dynamic works in the fall.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
