Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS, La. — The rebuild continues for the New Orleans Saints. Per numerous reports, the Saints have executed a trade with the New England Patriots to bring a new wide receiver to town, though he won’t see the field in 2025.
The Saints will acquire New England wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk. Per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, New Orleans is sending its 2027 sixth-round pick to the Patriots in exchange for Polk and a 2028 seventh.
TRADE: The Patriots are trading WR Ja’Lynn Polk and a 2028 7th-round pick to the Saints for a 2027 6th-round pick, per sources.
Polk is currently on season-ending IR recovering from a shoulder injury. pic.twitter.com/o5ypHugs5K
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) September 13, 2025
Polk is still on his rookie contract after being selected by New England in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He still has three years left in his contract, including 2025.
However, the 6-foot-1, 200-plus pound receiver out of Washington won’t be available this year as he was already on Injured Reserve with a shoulder injury.
After a 2018 rule change proposed by the Denver Broncos, trading for injured players is permitted.
Polk was an electrifying wideout in college, reeling in 143 receptions for 2,231 receiving yards and 18 touchdown catches. During his rookie year with the Patriots, the receiver saw just 12 catches for 87 receiving yards and a pair of touchdown receptions.
Polk will get a fresh start in New Orleans once he is healthy and ready to go for 2026 as the rebuilding Saints continue to make future investments.
