Injury hurt Smith-Schuster in 2023
year, so releasing him would create a significant amount of dead money while offering little salary-cap relief. A trade after June 1 would be the best financial situation for the Patriots, generating just $2.6 million in dead money and opening $7.6 million in cap room.
but Smith-Schuster expressed optimism about his ability to bounce back, and the receivers seem to have embraced an “iron sharpens iron” mind-set about the competition.
“it makes me better as a better player on the field,” Smith-Schuster said. “being able to have some young guys come in and actually help this offense, it helps out a lot, all of us as a group. i think what it’s going to do is everyone’s level is going to kick it up a notch.”
other notes and observations from Monday’s two-hour practice …
R the Patriots are still in the voluntary portion of their program but had strong attendance. only four players did not report: defensive tackle Davon Godchaux and linebackers Matthew Judon, Anfernee Jennings, and Joshua Uche. bourne, left guard Cole Strange, and linebacker Jahlani tavai did not participate but were spotted on the field.
“the attendance is great,” Mayo said. “A handful of guys that aren’t here. At the same time, those guys that aren’t here are true professionals and they know what they have to do to get back and be in shape and ready to go.”
Asked about Strange’s timetable to return from the knee injury he suffered in Week 14, Mayo didn’t offer specifics. it seems likely that Strange will start training camp on the physically unable to perform list.
“he is working hard,” said Mayo. “he is doing his rehab. he is here every day. he is in the meeting room, so i am happy where he is.”
R based off Monday’s practice, the starting offensive line would be left tackle Chukwuma okorafor, left guard Sidy Sow, center David Andrews, right guard nick leverett, and right tackle Michael onwenu.
rookie Caeden Wallace and Vederian lowe also logged reps on the left side, while Calvin Anderson played mainly on the right. Guards Atonio Mafi and layden robinson served as additional options on the interior.
figuring out the best offensive line combination is a top priority. At left tackle, the two leading candidates, okorafor and Wallace, primarily have played on the right. but okorafor said he knew the circumstances when he chose to sign with the Patriots.
“i’ve been in the nfl for a while now,” he said. “if i didn’t think i couldn’t do it, i wouldn’t have chosen to do it.”
R Quarterback Drake Maye’s willingness to stay late made an impression with Mayo earlier this month during rookie minicamp, and he has only continued to encourage the coaching staff.
After Monday’s two-hour practice, Maye spent extra time throwing to Polk and baker.
“You can already tell he is going to put in that extra work,” Mayo said. “i walked by the quarterback meeting room, he’s just in there by himself, watching film. those are the things that you want to see.”
the Patriots are taking things slow with Maye, as Jacoby brissett handled the majority of the reps during the competitive 11-on-11 period.
R it sure sounds as though the locker room underwent a few changes with the coaching change. Media won’t be allowed in until closer to the start of the season, but Smith-Schuster teased, “You’ll see the environment. the vibes are way better.” Maye noted the addition of a mini-basketball hoop.