Giants release JuJu Smith-Schuster, making him a free agent

Veteran wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster became a free agent on August 18, 2026, after the New York Giants released him. The move was announced by ESPN's Adam Schefter and coincided with the Giants' signing of running back Najee Harris to their roster.

The release ends Smith-Schuster's brief tenure with the Giants, for whom he signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract in June. His time in New York was limited by persistent knee issues that affected his practice participation. The decision comes as the Giants reshape their offensive backfield and receiver depth chart, with Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton II holding starting roles.

Smith-Schuster, 29, has now played for three teams in two years. After winning Super Bowl LVII with the Kansas City Chiefs following the 2022 season, he signed a three-year contract with the New England Patriots in 2023 but was released during training camp the following year. He returned to Kansas City for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. His production in his most recent campaign was limited, recording 33 receptions for 345 yards and one touchdown across 17 games in 2025.

His release has immediately sparked speculation about his next destination. The Chiefs,...