5 Patriots Making it Easy for New England to Say Goodbye in 2025

2. Javon Baker

During the 2024 NFL Draft, the Patriots swung a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers to drop down from the 33rd overall pick to the 37th overall pick. New England also sent pick no. 137 and received no. 110. After the draft pick exchange, the Patriots doubled up on receivers – selecting rookie Ja'Lynn Polk at no. 37 and Javon Baker at no. 110.

So far, that trade has yet to pay dividends as both Polk and Baker have struggled immensely. To add insult to injury, Ladd McConkey – selected with the 33rd overall pick originally owned by the Patriots – has racked up 58 catches for 815 yards in a sensational rookie season for the Chargers. Polk and Baker have a combined 12 catches for 87 yards.

Despite Baker's self-vote of confidence on draft day – the UCF draftee proclaimed: "Just come to the home stadium and bring y'all popcorn. That's all I'll say. I make people in wheelchairs stand up" – he has played a mere 32 total offensive snaps this season, has yet to record his first career reception, and has only been targeted once.

There were reports that Baker didn't know where to line up – a common prerequisite of an NFL wide receiver – and he had a controversial incident in September in which he took to Instagram Live after receiving a traffic ticket. Baker was also reportedly benched for New England's Week 7 game in London after a gently described "hiccup...when it came to following at least one part of the team’s itinerary".

Between Baker's lack of production and distractions, he will have an uphill battle to establish himself as part of Eliot Wolf's 2025 plans.