The New England Patriots are in a position where they have overhauled their roster with coach Mike Vrabel taking control of the team, after the franchise went 4-13 last season. The team could see some changes to the roster, as one of the weakest points of the roster was the lack of skill position players.
The Patriots were able to sign both Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins while also drafting Kyle Williams in the third round of the most recent NFL Draft. That is on top of their returning wide receivers who have some connection with quarterback Drake Maye. However, one person could be on the move ahead of the season.
Will the New England Patriots Trade Away Ja’Lynn Polk?
New England is going to be in a weird position as they attempt to change the culture after a few losing seasons in a row. Sterling Xie wrote an article about players who could be either cut or traded ahead of the season and the Pats could move on from the second-round wide receiver out of Washington in Polk.
“When a new coaching regime comes in, the players most in danger are disappointing high draft picks of the former regime. Ja’Lynn Polk has only had one season, but the 2024 second-round pick had a disastrous rookie year and could now get squeezed out of a very crowded receiver room in New England.”
“After signing Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins in free agency, the Patriots drafted Kyle Williams in the third round. All three of those receivers would seem to be roster locks based on their pedigree and contracts, while Demario Douglas should be considered a heavy roster favorite as well, given his consistent production in his first two seasons.”
“That doesn’t leave much room for a mosh pit that includes Polk, Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, and Javon Baker. Polk would likely fetch a Day 3 pick in return given his status as a recent high second-round pick, but he’ll need to impress in the preseason to see a second year in Foxboro.”
Polk finished his rookie season playing in 15 games (seven starts) and struggled to be too productive as he had 12 catches on 33 targets for 87 yards (7.3 yards per reception) with a pair of touchdown grabs. It seems like Polk and Maye were unable to make a connection with one another.
With a lack of production and a new coaching staff being part of the decision-making process, there is a sizable chance that New England will move on from Polk. Other teams could be in a position to trade away a Day 3 pick for him as he still has three years remaining on his rookie contract and has the potential to improve with more experience.