Patriots trade injured 2024 second-round pick Ja’Lynn Polk to Saints
New England sends Polk and a 2028 seventh-round pick to New Orleans for a 2027 sixth-rounder; receiver is on season-ending injured reserve after shoulder surgery
The New England Patriots traded wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk and a 2028 seventh-round pick to the New Orleans Saints on Saturday in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick, multiple outlets reported. Polk, a 23-year-old second-round pick in the 2024 draft, is on season-ending injured reserve after undergoing shoulder surgery this offseason.
Polk appeared in 15 games as a rookie, recording 12 receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns. He was placed on injured reserve in August, before the Patriots reduced their roster to 53 players, after it was reported he required surgery for the shoulder injury.
The move continues turnover within New England’s 2024 draft class. Outside of quarterback Drake Maye, the third overall pick who has taken over the starting role, several selections from last year’s class are no longer with the team or have had their roles reduced. Offensive tackle Caelan Wallace, the No. 68 pick, has been shifted to a backup guard role. Offensive guard Layden Robinson (No. 103), wide receiver Javon Baker (No. 110) and tight end Jaheim Bell (No. 231) have been waived. Defensive back Marcellas Dial (No. 180) is on injured reserve, and quarterback Joe Milton III (No. 193) was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in April.
Polk had been considered a potential roster cut during training camp amid a crowded wide receiver room, but the Patriots placed him on IR instead of releasing him. The trade sends Polk to the Saints while he remains on season-ending IR.
The Patriots will head into Sunday’s Week 2 matchup against the Miami Dolphins without Polk, who spent one season in New England after entering the league from the University of Washington. The Saints’ plans for Polk’s roster status and rehabilitation were not detailed in initial reports.
Polk’s departure follows a pattern of adjustments by New England as it retools its roster around Maye and other veterans. The draft-day moves and subsequent cuts and trades reflect the team’s efforts to shape depth and address positional needs ahead of the regular season.
