Who Should I Start? N'Keal Harry or JuJu Smith-Schuster

Thursday, October 12, 9:08 AM

The Minnesota Vikings activated wide receiver N'Keal Harry to the active roster to replace Justin Jefferson (hamstring), who heads to injured reserve. The 2021 first-round draft pick didn't reach the end of his rookie contract with New England, had a cup of coffee with the Bears, and was cut by Minnesota prior to the preseason finale this year. He's since spent time on the Vikings' practice squad. Coach Kevin O'Connell talked up Harry on Wednesday but he has a long way to go before seeing consistent playing time. K.J. Osborn and Jordan Addison are the two wideouts who will see increased usage with Jefferson on the sidelines.

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.