Giants Cut JuJu Smith-Schuster: Stunning Roster Shakeup
Giants Expected to Release JuJu Smith-Schuster to Make Room for Najee Harris
What Happened?
The New York Giants are planning to release wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This move is happening because the team is about to sign a new running back, Najee Harris, and they need to clear a spot on their official team roster.
Why Is This Happening?
Important Point: NFL teams can only have a certain number of players on their official roster at one time. When they want to add someone new, they usually have to remove someone else first.
Here’s the chain of events in simple terms:
- The Giants want to sign Najee Harris – He’s an experienced running back who used to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- They need an open roster spot – Think of it like a classroom with a maximum number of seats. To let a new student in, someone has to leave.
- JuJu Smith-Schuster is the odd man out – The team has decided to release him to make that seat available.
What About JuJu’s Injury?
Smith-Schuster has been dealing with a knee injury for almost two weeks. Because of this injury:
- He did not play in Saturday’s preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings
- Preseason games are like practice matches before the real season starts
- The injury makes his situation more complicated
What Does "Injury Designation" Mean?
Key Term Explained: When an NFL team cuts an injured player, they can use an "injury designation." This is a special label that affects:
- Whether the player gets paid while recovering
- Whether other teams can claim him
- The player’s rights and benefits
We don’t know yet if the Giants will:
- Release him with an injury designation, OR
- Release him without one (which would be treated like a normal release)
This decision could impact how much money Smith-Schuster receives and what happens next in his career.
Who Is JuJu Smith-Schuster?
For those new to football:
- Position: Wide Receiver (catches passes from the quarterback)
- Experience: Veteran player (been in the NFL since 2017)
- Former Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots
- Achievement: Won Super Bowl LVII with the Chiefs
- Known For: Fun personality, TikTok dances, and "JuJu" touchdown celebrations
Who Is Najee Harris?
- Position: Running Back (runs with the ball, catches short passes)
- Experience: 4 NFL seasons (entered league in 2021)
- Former Team: Pittsburgh Steelers (same team JuJu used to play for!)
- Style: Physical, powerful runner who’s hard to tackle
- Stats: Over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first three seasons
What Happens Next?
For JuJu Smith-Schuster:
- Official release – The transaction becomes official
- Waivers – Other teams get a chance to claim him (usually 24 hours)
- Free agency – If unclaimed, he can sign with any team
- Recovery – Focus on healing his knee injury
For the Giants:
- Sign Najee Harris – Make the running back addition official
- Continue preseason – Prepare for the regular season
- Finalize roster – Make more cuts to reach the 53-player limit
Summary
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Main News | Giants releasing WR JuJu Smith-Schuster |
| Reason | Making roster room for RB Najee Harris |
| Complication | Smith-Schuster has a knee injury |
| Unknown | Whether he’ll get an injury designation |
| Timeline | Expected to happen soon (preseason period) |
The Giants are reshuffling their roster during the preseason—like a teacher rearranging seats before the school year officially starts. Smith-Schuster’s injury makes his departure more complex than a typical roster move.
FAQ
What is a "roster spot" in the NFL?
A roster spot is one of the limited positions (53 during regular season, 90 during preseason) a team can fill with players. Think of it like a sports team having only 53 jerseys—once they’re all handed out, you can’t add anyone unless you take a jersey back.
What are preseason games?
Preseason games are practice matches played in August before the real season starts in September. They don’t count in the standings. Teams use them to evaluate players, test strategies, and decide who makes the final roster.
What does "waivers" mean?
When a player is released, they go on "waivers" for 24 hours. During this time, other teams can claim them (usually based on worst record getting first pick). If no one claims them, the player becomes a free agent and can sign anywhere.
Why would a team use an "injury designation" when cutting a player?
An injury designation protects the player financially—they may receive injury settlement money or have their contract guaranteed. It also prevents other teams from claiming them off waivers until they’re healthy. Teams sometimes use it to do right by an injured veteran.
Can JuJu Smith-Schuster play for another team this year?
Yes! Once released and if he clears waivers (or after waivers), he’s a free agent. Any team can sign him once he’s healthy. Many veterans find new homes after preseason cuts.