Who Should I Start? JuJu Smith-Schuster or Mason Rudolph

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.

Wednesday, March 13, 5:01 PM

The Tennessee Titans are signing veteran free-agent quarterback Mason Rudolph to a one-year deal worth up to $3.62 million, according to NFL insider Mike Garafolo. Rudolph played in four regular season games (three starts) for the Steelers last year, throwing for 719 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He completed a whopping 74.3% of his passes. Second-year quarterback Will Levis is expected to start for Tennessee in 2024, but given the struggles of backup Malik Willis, Rudolph is likely to earn the backup job. Although Levis flashed upside in his rookie campaign, he is not a proven asset. If he struggles mightily, Rudolph could be thrust into action. For now, he remains off the fantasy radar in all formats.