The New England Patriots will finally close out their 2025 preseason slate when they visit the New York Giants on Thursday evening. It's the final opportunity for this year's bubble players to impress Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, and failing to do so could see them cut before Tuesday's 53-man roster deadline.
Needless to say, the pressure is on for several Patriots ahead of Thursday's preseason finale, including a disappointing wide receiver who's trending towards roster cut territory.
Patriots Could Give Up on WR Javon Baker by Roster Cutdown Day
It's safe to say that second-year WR Javon Baker needs a strong showing against the Giants if he wants to be on the Patriots' Week 1 roster. The 2024 fourth-round pick failed to impress with only one catch on four targets for 12 yards across 11 games in his rookie campaign, finishing with forgettable 52.5 offense and 53.8 receiving grades on Pro Football Focus.
When training camp opened, it initially looked like Baker's stock was on the rise. The former Central Florida playmaker was pulling off Randy Moss-esque catches in practice, and even though it was only happening in camp, the stellar performance left Patriots fans feeling confident that Baker was ready to turn the page.
Unfortunately, the improved practice performance hasn't translated into preseason success. Baker has been invisible more often than not during the Patriots' exhibition run, hauling in only one catch for 13 yards despite being targeted eight times. He's dropped three passes sent his way, compared to the zero he recorded last season, and has been given a 39.2 PFF receiving grade for his work.
A shallow WR room led to Baker making the team last year, but he isn't that fortunate this time around. DeMario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, and Kayshon Boutte are back in the fold, and that's without mentioning offseason arrivals Stefon Diggs, Kyle Williams, and Mack Hollins. With undrafted rookie wideout Efton Chism III's stock on the rise, too, it's beginning to look like the end of the line for Baker.
Unless he figures out a way to pull off his best Moss impression against the Giants, Patriots fans shouldn't be surprised if Baker is given the axe before the Aug. 26 deadline.