Who Should I Start? JuJu Smith-Schuster or Nick Bellore

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, March 10, 2:29 PM

The Seattle Seahawks are releasing linebacker/fullback Nick Bellore ahead of 2024 free agency, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The 34-year-old team captain made the 2020 and 2023 Pro Bowl rosters for his work on special teams, and he has been with the organization since 2019. He will now hit free agency after compiling 65 tackles in five seasons with Seattle. He spent eight seasons with the New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions. The move saves the Seahawks $2.85 million on the cap.