After selecting him as a high second-round pick a year ago, the New England Patriots have moved on from receiver Ja’Lynn Polk.
Polk, 23, was traded to the New Orleans Saints on Saturday along with a 2028 seventh-round pick. The Patriots get a 2027 sixth-rounder in return, according to reports.
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The second-year receiver was dealt away despite being on injured reserve with a shoulder injury that requires surgery. He will miss the entire 2025-26 season.
Polk was the No. 37 selection, the fifth pick of the second round, in the 2024 NFL Draft after an impressive final season at Washington during which he tallied 69 receptions for 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns for a Huskies team that played for the national championship.
Unfortunately, Polk had a disappointing rookie season, catching 12 passes for 87 yards and 2 TDs. That performance looked even worse considering that the Patriots traded down three spots with the Los Angeles Chargers to select Polk. With pick No. 34, the Chargers selected Ladd McConkey, who notched 82 receptions for 1, 149 yards and 7 TDs last season.
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During training camp, Polk was buried down the depth chart behind Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, Mack Hollins and Efton Chism. He missed OTAs and minicamp after shoulder surgery. His prospects didn’t improve after suffering another shoulder injury in the preseason opener on an end-around run.
Trading Polk is the latest indictment of New England’s 2024 draft class. Only quarterback Drake Maye (the No. 3 overall selection) and offensive tackle Caedan Wallace (a sixth-round pick) remain from that crop.
Receiver Javon Baker (fourth-round pick) was released amid final roster cuts. Guard Layden Robinson (also a fourth-rounder) and cornerback Marcellas Dial (sixth-round pick) are on injured reserve for the season. QB Joe Milton (sixth-round selection) was traded to the Dallas Cowboys and tight end Jahem Bell was cut.
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