Patriots fans speculate following JuJu Smith-Schuster's release: "Making room for CeeDee?"

The New England Patriots released wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on Friday. The news comes just hours after the New England Patriots defeated the Carolina Panthers 17-3 in the first preseason game. Even though Smith-Schuster didn't play in the first preseason game, his performance since signing with the Patriots in 2023 hasn't led up to expectations.

NFL Insider Ian Rapoport shared the news on Smith-Schuster's release on Friday afternoon. Which has led many fans to their own assumptions.

One fan jokingly predicted that the Patriots were making room on the roster for wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. The Dallas Cowboys wide receiver is currently a hold out as he awaits a contract extension.

Another fan predicted that the Dallas Cowboys may sign Smith-Schuster since they are down a wide receiver.

Fans then assumed that the Pittsburgh Steelers may sign JuJu Smith-Schuster instead of continuing their efforts at trading for Brandon Aiyuk. Smith-Schuster was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017 and spent the first five seasons of his NFL career in the steel city.

"So instead of Aiyuk, the Steelers are gonna sign a washed JuJu."-predicted one fan

"Denver, Dallas, Tampa."-said one fan

"This is not a surprise."-said one fan who saw this coming

The predictions of where and when JuJu Smith-Schuster may sign before the start of the 2024 NFL season. The 27-year-old could also reunite with the Kansas City Chiefs, the team he played one season with in 2022 and won his first Super Bowl title.

"Wonder if #Raiders would have interest to add to WR depth."-asked one fan

"If we knew that Rashee Rice was being suspended in 2024, this would be a no-brainer. Even without knowing that, JuJu as WR4/5 would be extremely enticing."-said one fan who thought the Chiefs could be a destination

"Would love to see Juju in a Cardinals jersey this year."-said one fan

How much was JuJu Smith-Schuster's contract with the Patriots worth?

Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster signed a three-year deal worth $33 million in March 2023. In his first season with the Pats in 2023, he played in 11 games, starting just seven and totaling 29 receptions for 260 yards, and one touchdown.

Since the New England Patriots released him, they will now be left with about $9.6 million in dead salary cap space this season. The Patriots will also have another $2.5 in dead salary cap space in 2025. The Patriots were ranked as the fifth-worst offense in terms of the passing game last season.

His first two NFL seasons with the Pittsburgh Steeelers, he was a standout with over 2,000 total yards and 14 touchdowns. Since then he has dealt with multiple injuries to his knee and shoulder.