JuJu Smith-Schuster release is a blessing for this Patriots receiver

The main focus of the Patriots' new regime this offseason has been solely on improving the offense, which they have mostly done successfully over the last several months. It all began with Eliot Wolf's long list of re-signings and extensions in free agency, followed by an offense-heavy draft with seven of the team's eight selections used on offensive players.

Since then, there has been an active effort to boost the receiving corps, which started with the pursuit of Calvin Ridley. Hoping to be successful the second time around, the Patriots went all out with a trade offer for Brandon Aiyuk, who has been looking for a contract extension from the 49ers that just doesn't appear to be coming.

Once Aiyuk decided New England wasn't worth considering, which he might ultimately regret, Wolf withdrew the offer, and the team decided to stick with the wide receiver roster they currently have.

It's unfamiliar territory for the Patriots, as they went into their first preseason game with 12 receivers under contract, so inevitable cuts are going to happen.

After nearly every player saw time on the field against the Panthers last Thursday, Wolf and the Patriots decided it was time to part ways with JuJu Smith-Schuster, one of the last free agents Bill Belichick signed before his departure earlier this year.

It wasn't a shocking move to hear the 27-year-old was being cut well before roster cutdown day since he never seemed to fully acclimate into the Patriots offense. A forgettable 2023 season and a lack of significant improvement throughout spring and summer practices made it clear it was time to move on.

This inevitably creates an ample opportunity for one Patriots wide receiver hoping to make the 2024 team.

JuJu Smith-Schuster's departure opens the door for Tyquan Thornton to make the Patriots 2024 roster

Among the long list of receivers currently signed to the Patriots, four could be labeled as roster locks: Javon Baker, Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, and Ja'Lynn Polk. That likely leaves two to three remaining openings for others to secure a spot, especially since Bourne might begin the season on the PUP list.

Kayshon Boutte, K.J. Osborn, Jalen Reagor, and Tyquan Thornton are the players projected to compete the most for one of those spots. But Smith-Schuster's release is bound to benefit Thornton the most.

Because the former longtime Steeler didn't bring special teams versatility, that's not going to be a negative for Thornton, as he doesn't either. That's a blessing for the third-year player, and his dedication to improving this offseason, which included gaining weight, will also be a factor for the Patriots to consider.

Then, their somewhat similar frames, with Thornton at 6'1" and Smith-Schuster at 6'2", and play style immediately help boost his value. Some of this we have seen during training camp, as Thornton continues to stand out at summer practices just as he has since he joined the league.

He was expected to be a fringe player who needed good performances at practice and in preseason games, but Smith-Schuster, being a proven talent (even if not recently), would push Thornton down. Now that he's no longer on the team, it's time for Thornton to take advantage of the opportunity and prove he can fill whatever role Smith-Schuster was projected to have.

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