New England Patriots second-round pick Ja’Lynn Polk had a rookie season to forget, and he may not have an opportunity to redeem himself in 2025. Selected with the 37th-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Washington product joined a wide-open depth chart with the opportunity to establish an immediate rapport with short-term starter Jacoby Brissett and fellow rookie Drake Maye. Unfortunately, he couldn’t do much of anything, catching just 12 of his 33 targets for 87 yards and two touchdowns while finishing with a 43.1 PFF grade, the worst mark out of 133 eligible receivers.
A lot can change between now and the regular season, but ESPN’s Mike Reiss suggests that Ja’Lynn Polk is facing an uphill battle to earn a job. In a recent article, the beat reporter said Polk is “not on the current radar” for the organization and is not receiving reps with the first- or second-team offense. If this trend continues, first-year head coach Mike Vrabel and the Patriots could cut their losses and trade the second-round pick for whatever they can get. While it probably won’t be anything more than a conditional late-round pick swap, the following four teams could roll the dice on Polk.
REPORT: Patriots Likely to Seek Trade Partner For Ja’Lynn Polk
Top Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
As of this writing, the Los Angeles Chargers have not yet signed old friend Keenan Allen to a new contract. However, even if they reunite with the former third-round pick, this team could use more young blood at the position. Ladd McConkey has a bright future in this league, but Quentin Johnston is nothing more than a role player, and nobody knows what second-round pick Tre Harris brings to the table. Ja’Lynn Polk may have had an ugly tenure with the Patriots, but head coach Jim Harbaugh is excels at bringing out the best in his players.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers spent the offseason adding veteran talent in hopes of finally making a deep playoff run. While guys like D.K. Metcalf and Aaron Rodgers offer short-term stability at their respective positions, Pittsburgh must find more young talent. Mike Tomlin has an extensive history of developing wide receivers, so perhaps a change of scenery could bring out the best in Ja’Lynn Polk.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints have one of the least talented rosters in football, but don’t have the resources to add proven commodities. With this in mind, they might as well take a low-risk, medium-reward move and see if the Patriots will part ways with Ja’Lynn Polk for a conditional pick. Chris Olave’s extensive injury history means he might not play a full season, so somebody must step up for rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.
Baltimore Ravens
Do the Baltimore Ravens need another wide receiver? Not at the moment. However, would Jim Harbaugh and Eric DeCosta turn down the opportunity to add a former top-40 pick for next to nothing? Perhaps Ja’Lynn Polk doesn’t work out, but it can’t hurt to bring him in and see what he can do. While Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are firmly entrenched atop the depth chart, DeAndre Hopkins is near the end of his career, and Polk could compete with him, DeVontez Walker, and Tylan Wallace for one of the final spots on the roster.
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