WR JuJu Smith-Schuster explains why he signed with Patriots

Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster has explained why he signed with the New England Patriots in free agency. 

Per Dakota Randall of NESN, Smith-Schuster noted during an appearance on the "Zolak & Bertrand" program which airs on 98.5 The Sports Hub that he wanted to play for Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

"The guy, you know — just the want and the need," Smith-Schuster said. "And the position that I can fill there really, really caught my attention. And … feeling wanted in a place where I played against, a head coach I have a lot of respect for. And I just think that goes a long way."

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Taylor Bisciotti (h/t Kevin Patra) reported last week that Smith-Schuster and the Patriots agreed to a three-year, $33M contract. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network added that deal has a base value of $25.5M and includes $16M in guaranteed cash.

Smith-Schuster tallied 78 receptions for 933 yards and three touchdowns during the 2022 regular season while catching passes thrown by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. 

In New England, Smith-Schuster may find himself in a bit of an awkward situation if 2022 rookie Bailey Zappe is allowed to compete with Mac Jones for the starting job this summer. 

It sounds like the 26-year-old receiver is excited to play alongside Jones later this year. 

"That dude loves, breathes New England. He's the definition of a Patriot," Smith-Schuster said about Jones, according to CBS Boston. "Even in my short time, like my 24 hours to be in New England, he was there constantly working out with the guys, just getting after it, getting it in the books. He was a rookie Pro Bowler, so the dude has a lot of potential. I can't wait to get right with him."

Jones will be entering his third NFL season and will likely find himself playing for his New England future this fall. Becoming fast friends with Smith-Schuster could help the 2021 first-round draft pick prove he should remain the Patriots' QB1 into 2024 and beyond.