One of the biggest concerns of the New England Patriots' 2025 offseason was finding franchise quarterback Drake Maye reliable targets. Having so few options last season hurt the rookie's development, and it was an issue the team couldn't hesitate to improve.
Signing Stefon Diggs was the splashy answer the franchise settled on, with Diggs having a history of helping the AFC East. It was the arrival of Diggs in Buffalo that helped fully unlock the potential of Josh Allen. New England's hope is that a familiar script will play out in a new landing spot for the veteran receiver.
However, it is noteworthy that current Patriot Ja'Lynn Polk is hyping himself up this summer. Polk posted a warning against counting the struggling receiver out after the failures of 2024.
It seems an understandable sentiment in some ways, but one that might be better served to keep in-house until Polk has actually turned the corner. The rookie caught 12 balls for 87 yards on 33 targets. This is hardly the type of production the Patriots were hoping to receive from the 2nd round pick. To call Polk's first season a bust would be accurate.
Patriots WR Ja'Lynn Polk Sends the Patriots a Strong Message
#Patriots WR Ja’Lynn Polk shared a simple message via Instagram:
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) July 19, 2025
“Count me out”
We’ll soon find out if the new staff is able to get someone out of the former second-round pick.
(🎥 jpolk_22 IG) pic.twitter.com/xUu0o6qF90
It is important to note that one season isn't enough to determine the receiver position with New England's level of investment. Whether or not Polk is a decided bust moving forward is yet to be determined. However, it isn't a hot take to point out that things are heavily trending in this direction. Polk was supposed to be a support for rookie Drake Maye. Failing to find any level of consistent production is alarming at best.
Sending this message is a choice the receiver had better be prepared to back up, with the Patriots still having a clear void at the position. Diggs is working his way back from injury and is a question mark at this stage of his career. Even if the receiver turns back the clock, there is no depth behind him. Polk is going to be given every chance to win a contributing role.
For the Patriots, this isn't much of a story with the team already turning the page on the previous regime. While it would be ideal for Polk to develop, there is no pressure on current leadership, who will quickly pivot in another direction if last season was a preview of what is to come.