The New England Patriots are back in training camp, gearing up for yet another season. Among the plethora of storylines emerging from the camp, one that stands out is the palpable competition among the wide receivers. Leading this group is JuJu Smith-Schuster, a former Super Bowl champion and Pro Bowler, who is arguably the most accomplished player in the Patriots' receiving corps.
Smith-Schuster's Career and Last Season's Struggles
Smith-Schuster, who has a 1,000-yard season under his belt, signed a three-year, $25.5 million deal last offseason. Despite his impressive credentials, his performance last season was hampered by injuries. He managed to play in 11 games, catching 29 balls for 260 yards and a touchdown before being shut down for the final month of the season. With a significant dead cap hit of $12.26 million for the coming season, the Patriots have a vested interest in his success on the field.
Competition Heats Up in Training Camp
The Patriots have shown a keen focus on performance and potential in their draft and free-agency strategy. They have drafted Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, while also signing veteran K.J. Osborn in free agency. DeMario Douglas, another talent in the lineup, is considered a lock for the roster. This intense competition means limited spots for wide receivers on the opening 53-man roster.
Smith-Schuster acknowledged the fierce competition, saying, "I think everyone out here in that room is fighting for a spot. Obviously, there's guys who have spots and I feel like for myself it's something that -- coming out here, I've got to prove [myself and] compete with these guys. These guys are very good. Very talented on the inside and outside."
Fighting for a Spot
Competing alongside Smith-Schuster are Jalen Reagor, Tyquan Thornton, and Kayshon Boutte. The Patriots' coaching staff is closely monitoring the performance of their wide receivers during training camp, and Smith-Schuster knows that each opportunity to showcase his skills is crucial. "You have a lot of great guys in the room, a lot of people who have been making plays all camp. I would say that the competition level is very, very high. So everyone that's out there, when your opportunity comes you've gotta make the best out of it," he explained.
Proving His Worth
Smith-Schuster's confidence in his abilities remains undeterred. "It's always been in me, that dawg, that competitiveness. I've been in a lot of tough situations, making those hard catches and being able to convert and move the sticks. Something I'm very proud of. So for sure, got that dawg in me. For sure," he stated with conviction.
As the Patriots continue their training camp, all eyes will be on how well Smith-Schuster can bounce back from his injury-plagued season and secure his spot on the roster. With a history of turning challenges into opportunities, Smith-Schuster stands ready to prove his worth in a highly competitive environment.