Who Should I Start? JuJu Smith-Schuster or Josh Downs

Thursday, May 2, 2:33 PM

Starting next month, the New England Patriots could cut wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster at a cost of $9.6 million in dead money and no salary cap relief, per Over the Cap, while releasing him before then would incur $2.6 million more in dead money and take a small chunk out of their league-leading $54 million cap room. If the Pats traded Smith-Schuster after June 1, they'd save almost $7 million in cap space and clear room for their young receivers to see more playing time. New England could prioritize playing time for rookies Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, plus 2023 sixth-rounder Demario Douglas. It all means that Smith-Schuster may no longer be the team's No. 2 receiver, especially with Kendrick Bourne and K.J. Osborn also on the roster.

Sunday, January 7, 1:59 AM

Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Josh Downs caught all three of his targets for 48 yards in the team's 23-19 loss to the Houston Texans. Downs led all Colts pass-catchers in yards and caught the team's longest pass-attempt when he reeled in a 28-yard catch. Downs finishes his rookie campaign with 771 yards on 68 catches and two touchdowns. With their Week 18 loss, the Colts are now eliminated from playoff contention.