One of the main emphases for the New England Patriots this season was to upgrade their pass catchers. They did just that, adding Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and Kyle Williams to the mix.
The Patriots entered training camp with 13 wide receivers, fully aware that difficult decisions needed to be made. These decisions only got harder, as Efton Chism III has ascended in the ranks past many of their receivers, leaving room for very few to remain.
Luckily for the Patriots, teams across the league are looking for help at wide receiver, giving them the perfect opportunity to trade Ja’Lynn Polk.
No trade is imminent. But Minnesota is actively looking, with six days to cutdown. https://t.co/8ENzxE8Pil
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 20, 2025
Patriots Gifted Opportunity to Trade Ja’Lynn Polk
Drafted in last year’s second round, Ja’Lynn Polk was projected to be one of the Patriots’ top receivers last year. However, Polk’s rookie year couldn’t have gone any worse than it did.
In 15 games, Polk recorded 12 receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns. During his struggles, Polk faced some backlash after Jerod Mayo said he needed to stop dropping passes and getting over his mental hump by saying he has the best hands in the NFL.
While it’s one thing to have confidence in yourself, you need to back it up on gameday. Polk failed to deliver last year, and the hope heading into this season was that he would bounce back.
Yet again, Polk failed to record much production in training camp. Even though he spent some time sidelined due to injuries, others took the opportunity to jump over him in the ranks.
The Jets are among several teams monitoring the trade market for potential wide receiver additions, per sources. The 49ers and Vikings are also making calls.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) August 20, 2025
Since the Patriots will presumably only keep six receivers, Polk’s tenure in New England is likely at its end. Because other teams are in dire need of receivers, with the Steelers reportedly interested in Polk’s services, the Patriots have the opportunity to move on from him and receive compensation in return.
It would be best for both sides to move on, as the Patriots could get a pick for trading him instead of cutting him, while Polk will have an opportunity to get more reps in a less crowded receiving room.