Smith-Schuster's cap hit is $12.3M in dead money if he is cut. I think he has a good chance of sticking as a veteran receiver who looked better as 2023 wore on. It was another case of Belichick's arrogance by picking up a veteran with an injury and thinking the Pats could get the most out of him coming off an injury and surgery. Smith-Schuster is an elite route runner and has great hands. If he is 90% of the 2022 version before his injury in week 14, he could be a major contributor. If he's healthy, he'll attract attention from the #1 or #2 corner.
Look, this is a good WR room without the truly elite #1 guy like a Randy Moss. There's a lot of depth here, particularly with development of Pop Douglas. And no matter what happens, the QB room is better than 2023.
Maye is a smart and capable passer when he has targets to work with like these guys. I've seen every game he's played for the past two years and in-person twice. In 2022, he had two top-tier (now NFL) running backs, an NFL-ready TE and WR. This group is very similar. those weapons with big guys on the outside, a good slot receiver and one, maybe two totally reliable TEs. There's plenty of room here for JJSS to find his role and put up decent numbers (600 yds, 50 receptions,)
The bottom line is the offensive line. It looks deeper, but who knows? Right? If Dante Scarnecchia was the OL coach, I'd be thrilled about 2024. Scott Peters is the OL coach and was a Guard-Center with the Eagles, Giants, Cardinals. A durable tough dude as a player. Let's see what he can do with these guys. If this OL can pass block, Brissetts and Maye will be fine.