Report: Patriots Trading Former Second-Round Draft Pick

The New England Patriots are reportedly unloading another member of the 2024 draft class.

New England is trading wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk and a 2028 seventh-round pick to the New Orleans Saints for a 2027 sixth-round pick, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. Polk is on the season-ending injured reserve after injuring his shoulder during the preseason.

The Patriots selected Polk with the No. 37 pick of last year’s draft after trading down from pick No. 34, which the Los Angeles Chargers used on breakout wide receiver Ladd McConkey. Polk caught just 12 of 33 targets for 87 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie, tallying just 13 yards in New England’s final dozen games.

Polk aimed to redeem himself in a remodeled receiving room that added Pro Bowl veteran Stefon Diggs and third-round rookie Kyle Williams. However, the former Washington standout’s sophomore campaign ended before it could begin.

Rather than stashing him for 2026, the Patriots shipped Polk to the Saints. Only four players from last year’s draft remain with the New England Patriots, and just two (Drake Maye and offensive lineman Caedan Wallace) are active.

Polk will receive a second chance in New Orleans next year while the Patriots continue to move on quickly from their 2024 draft class.