The New England Patriots are moving on from wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk. According to The Athletic’s Diana Russini, the Patriots have traded the former 2024 second-round pick to the New Orleans Saints.
As part of the deal, New England is sending a 2028 seventh-round pick and receiving a 2027 seventh-rounder in return. Polk, who suffered a shoulder injury during training camp, will be placed on injured reserve by the Saints and is not expected to see the field until 2026.
Polk, 23, was drafted 37th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft but struggled to make an impact in his rookie year. He appeared in 15 games, recording just 12 receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns.
With his departure, only two players remain on the Patriots’ 53-man roster from last year’s draft class: quarterback Drake Maye and offensive lineman Caedan Wallace. The Patriots had traded down with the Los Angeles Chargers during the 2024 draft, a move that allowed Los Angeles to select wideout Ladd McConkey—who went on to have an outstanding rookie campaign with 82 receptions, 1,149 yards, and seven touchdowns.
Even before his injury, Polk faced an uphill battle to earn playing time in New England. The Patriots’ receiver room is headlined by Stefon Diggs, with Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, and rookie Kyle Williams all ahead of him on the depth chart.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
