5 Patriots on the Chopping Block After Bill Belichick's Exit

These members of the New England Patriots organization are on the chopping block as a new regime takes over in place of Bill Belichick.

Jul 27, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (7) holds / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

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3. JuJu Smith-Schuster

One of Belichick's greatest faults of the post-Tom Brady era has been his eye for talent. He's struggled to put together competitive rosters, which is due to drafting poorly and spending money on the wrong players.

The signing of veteran wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster will be looked back on as one of Belichick's worst moves as GM. The wideout has been a complete bust since arriving as a marquee free agent signing last offseason, recording a measly 260 yards and 1 touchdown in 11 games during the 2023 campaign.

Choosing Smith-Schuster over retaining Jakobi Meyes -- who signed nearly the same deal and went on to post 807 yards and 8 TDs this season -- looks like a colossal mistake.

Unfortunately, it's now the next GM's mess to clean up. The former Super Bowl champ is owed another $8 million in 2024 and would incur a $12.3 million dead cap hit. The 2025 campaign presents a potential out, however, as he'd only cost $2.6 million in dead money on the books if the team parts ways.

The next general manager might just swallow the hard pill that is Smith-Schuster's 2024 salary, but they should pounce on the opportunity to cut bait once 2025 rolls around.

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