Saints Acquire Injured WR Ja'Lynn Polk in Draft Pick Trade with Patriots

The New England Patriots have traded wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk, currently on season-ending injured reserve due to a shoulder injury, to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round draft pick, while the Saints send a 2028 seventh-round pick along with Polk. Polk, a 2024 second-round draft pick, struggled during his rookie season with 12 receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns across 15 games. Although he will miss the 2025 season, Polk provides the Saints a low-risk opportunity to develop a young player under contract through 2028, particularly important as the team is rebuilding and managing future wide receiver depth with some players approaching free agency. The trade also allows the Patriots to offload over $2 million in guaranteed money and gain future draft compensation, leaving only two members of their 2024 draft class still on the roster. Polk joins fellow East Texans Erik McCoy and Kendre Miller on the Saints roster, and will likely play a role starting in the 2026 season once he recovers. This transaction represents a strategic move for both teams with long-term considerations in mind.