Patriots Considering Familiar Face As JuJu Smith-Schuster Replacement
By Cem Yolbulan
Only a year after they signed him to a three-year, $33 million contract, the New England Patriots released veteran wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on Friday. His lone season in Foxborough was a complete disaster as the 27-year-old finished with 29 catches, 260 yards, and one touchdown.
Even before releasing Smith-Schuster, the Patriots have been looking for upgrades at the wide receiver position. They were one of the frontrunners to land Brandon Aiyuk from the 49ers but came up short. As things stand now, the Patriots have one of the weakest receiver units in the league.
DeMario Douglas and Kendrick Bourne are guaranteed to start with rookie Ja'Lynn Polk likely to be the third starter. New addition KJ Osborn and fellow rookie Javon Baker make up the rest of the receiver rotation but it's clear that the Patriots could use more depth in the position.
With that in mind, the Patriots worked out a familiar face in Friday's practice. Former Patriots wide receiver Isaiah Ford was among the four players who worked out with the team in the latest training session, according to Aaron Wilson.
New England Works Out Former Patriots WR Isaiah Ford
#Patriots worked out Nick Nawden, Isaiah Ford, Neal Johnson and Mike Novitsky
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 9, 2024
The other players at practice were veteran fullback Nick Bawden, former Rams tight end Neal Johnson, and 24-year-old center Mike Novitsky.
Ford is the most established player out of that group. Former Virginia Tech standout was a seventh-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. After spending the first three seasons of his career with the Dolphins, he was traded to the Patriots in 2020. Before he could make an appearance in Foxborough, he was waived and re-signed by the Dolphins. He has appeared in 32 games, started in 3, and recorded 63 catches, 681 yards, and two touchdowns for his career.
With less than a month left before the season starts, the Patriots will likely continue to bring in veterans to bolster the roster. Whether it is Isaiah Ford or another wide receiver to replace Smith-Schuster remains to be seen.
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