3 biggest winners and 3 losers from Patriots first wave of free agency

3 losers from the Patriots first wave of free agency signings

Kayshon Boutte and JuJu Smith-Schuster

After having a difficult first season in New England last year due to their struggles in becoming fully acclimated to their new team, Kayshon Boutte and JuJu Smith-Schuster were bound to lose out in terms of how free agency panned out this year.

It was expected that receivers would be a prioritized position this offseason since it has been the weakest part of the roster for years now. And although big moves weren't necessarily made, enough have been made to push Boutte and Smith-Schuster further down the depth chart.

At first, DeVante Parker's departure was a win for the pair, and even the hopeful re-signing of Kendrick Bourne was a win. But the re-signing of Jalen Reagor and the arrival of K.J. Osborn from the Vikings jeopardize their stance with the team much more.

Because of his contract, Smith-Schuster is unlikely to be dealt anywhere, especially after completing a less-than-exciting 2023 season that ended with him on the injury list.

On the other hand, Boutte is already dealing with legal issues that may impact his availability, so the presence of Osborn and Reagor makes a bigger hit on him.