Mac Jones says he's 'hit it off' with Patriots' key free agent acquisition

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The New England Patriots missed the playoffs this past season for just the second time since 2008, so they had no choice but to improve.

With Mac Jones going into his third season after a bit of a sophomore slump, the front office gave him a trusty veteran out wide, signing JuJu Smith-Schuster to a three-year deal worth up to $33 million.

The offensive weapons have lacked for New England have lacked in recent years, but it seems like the Pats made the right move with Smith-Schuster on and off the field.

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JuJu Smith-Schuster, #9 of the Kansas City Chiefs, reacts after a play against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of the game at Allegiant Stadium on January 7, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada.  (Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)

Jones said Smith-Schuster, who is entering his seventh season in the NFL, has become a team leader, despite not even being in New England for three months.

"I think JuJu’s done a great job, also from a leadership standpoint," Jones told reporters Wednesday, via NESN. "Coming in, that’s someone who adds veteran leadership from different places. He just came off of a Super Bowl team, so what a great value to our offense. Obviously, when he gets on the field, that’s going to be great because he has the experience and he loves talking about football."

But arguably more important, the QB-WR duo have been building a relationship.

"He’s just a football nerd, I guess, kind of like me. We kind of hit it off in that regard," Jones added. "He’s an awesome guy, and I’m looking forward to working with all those guys in that room. I think there’s a lot of potential there."