Saints Acquire Wide Receiver Ja’Lynn Polk in Trade wiht Patriots
NEW ORLEANS, La. – The New Orleans Saints have traded a 2027 sixth-round draft pick to the New England Patriots for wide receiver Ja’lynn polk and a 2028 seventh-round pick, according to reports from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini and others. The move adds a young receiving option to the Saints’ roster, though Polk will be unavailable for the 2025 season.
The saints are continuing to build for the future under a new regime, and acquiring Polk, a former second-round pick, represents a low-risk, high-reward investment in potential receiving talent. While currently sidelined, the trade demonstrates the team’s willingness to acquire players with upside even if immediate contributions aren’t possible.
Polk was selected by the Patriots in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He appeared in games during his rookie season, recording 12 receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns before being placed on Injured Reserve with a shoulder injury. He has three years remaining on his rookie contract, including the 2025 season.
A 2018 rule change, initially proposed by the denver Broncos, allows teams to trade for players on Injured Reserve, making this acquisition permissible. During his collegiate career at Washington, Polk amassed 143 receptions for 2,231 yards and 18 touchdowns. He is expected to compete for playing time when healthy in 2026.
