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

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

The offensive weapons New England has lacked have been lacking in recent years, but it seems the Patriots made the right move with Smith-Schuster on and off the field.

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Kansas City Chiefs number 9 JuJu Smith-Schuster reacts after a play against the Los 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 NFL season, has emerged as a team leader, despite not having been in New England for three months.

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

But possibly more importantly, the QB-WR duo have been building a relationship.

«He’s just a football nerd I guess, sort of like me. We get along in that way,» Jones added. «He’s an amazing guy and I’m looking forward to working with all those guys in that room. I think there’s a lot of potential there.»

juju and bradberry

JuJu Smith-Schuster, #9 of the Kansas City Chiefs, reacts after a play against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PATRICK MAHOMES OF THE CHIEFS HITS A LONG GAME OF CELEBRITY SOFTBALL FROM THE ROYALS

Smith-Schuster came to the open market after a solid season that ended with a Super Bowl title with the Kansas City Chiefs.

After five seasons in Pittsburgh with the Steelers, where Smith-Schuster made a Pro Bowl in 2018, he signed a one-year contract with the Chiefs to improve their relationship in the league, and it paid off with Patrick Mahomes shooting him.

Smith-Schuster benefited from playing the best offense in the league, totaling 933 yards on 78 receptions (101 targets) with three touchdowns on a team many believed would regress after their best option, Tyreek Hill, was traded to the Miami Dolphins.

Instead, they would win the Super Bowl over the Philadelphia Eagles, where Smith-Schuster had seven receptions for 53 yards. Eagles cornerback James Bradberry also donned his jersey as he ran into the end zone on a route, leading to a holding call that sealed the victory for the Chiefs.

JuJu Smith-Schuster before a game against the Jaguars

JuJu Smith-Schuster, #9 of the Kansas City Chiefs, runs onto the field during introductions against the Jacksonville Jaguars at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 21, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

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Smith-Schuster finished tied for 18th in the league with 16 first-down receptions in 2022, which will certainly benefit the Patriots, who are coming off their second sub-.500 season since 2000.

Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.