The New England Patriots were able to come away with another preseason win on Saturday, beating the Minnesota Vikings, 20-12. Although they were up for the majority of the game, it was a close game that came down to the final play.
There were numerous takeaways from Saturday's win, most notably Efton Chism III, as he made a strong case to make the team. With Chism’s emergence and a crowded receiver room, the Patriots will have some difficult decisions to make on who stays and who goes.
Javon Baker is likely one whose tenure seems to be coming to a close, as he hurt his chances of securing a spot on Saturday.
Javon Baker Likely Won’t Make Patriots' Final Roster
In yesterday’s win, Javon Baker was targeted six times, hauling in just one reception for 13 yards. Baker, 23, played 37 snaps on offense, the majority of them as the X receiver.
This is the second consecutive game that Baker wasn’t able to make an impact on offense, which likely means his tenure with New England is coming to a close. Baker hasn’t shown any progression following a disappointing rookie season, in which he recorded only one reception on one of the worst offenses in the league.
The Patriots used their 2024 fourth-round selection on Baker, who hyped himself as a future impactful player, and it has resulted in him displaying no value as a receiver. While he still has time to prove he’s worthy of a roster spot, he’ll have to do it as a special teamer. He must show some value before the 26th, which is when the Patriots have to trim their roster to 53.
As it stands, Stefon Diggs, Demario Douglas, and Kyle Williams are the three projected locks to make, meaning there’s likely only room for three more receivers. Even if the Patriots were to have seven receivers on their roster, Baker still wouldn’t make it.
In yesterday's win versus the Minnesota Vikings, Javon Baker wasn't able to get anything going. With the emergence of Efton Chism III, this likely means the end of Baker's tenure in New England.