Late Saturday morning, before some college football games even finished their first quarter, the New Orleans Saints made yet another trade. This time, it is for another wide receiver: Ja'lynn Polk.
Polk, now formerly of the New England Patriots, was a second-round draft pick out of Washington in 2024. He had a promising start to training camp last year but was unable to capitalize on it during the regular season, totaling only two touchdowns and 87 receiving yards on 33 targets.
Unfortunately, Polk's hopes of making up for a poor start with a strong sophomore season were lost when he injured his shoulder only one game into the 2025 preseason. Following the game against the Washington Commanders, it was revealed that it would require season-ending surgery, and that Polk would be placed on Injured Reserve.
Ja'lynn Polk will have a fresh start in New Orleans with the Saints
The trade provides Polk with a fresh start in New Orleans with the Saints, and it doesn't look like he'll be missed much by fans in New England. On social media, there were more celebrations than mournings being had by Pats fans, with one calling him a disaster of a second-round draft pick and another saying that the Patriots are now free.
It's important to note Polk only played one season. It's pretty difficult to write the whole book on a player solely based on their rookie year. Not only is this a fresh start for Polk, it's also very early in his development.
New Orleans was reportedly also keen on him in the lead-up to the 2024 draft; however, the former Washington wide receiver was selected by the Patriots at the 37th spot before the Saints had a chance to grab him. Instead, they selected cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry.
For some fans, it might be a bit of a headscratcher, but it's yet another sign that the Saints are in a rebuild. The trade brings yet another young player that is on a cheap contract with potential to the team.