Patriots, Saints Agree To 'Unusual' Wide Receiver Trade

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Sep 13, 2025 12:48 PM ET

The New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints have agreed to a trade involving a second-round pick from the 2024 NFL Draft.

On Saturday afternoon, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that New England is sending wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk and a 2028 seventh-round pick to New Orleans in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick.

Polk, 23, was a standout at Washington before going pro. He had 69 receptions for 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns during his final season of college football. His rookie season in the NFL, however, wasn't nearly as productive. The 6-foot-1 wideout had just 12 catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns.

Perhaps a change of scenery is exactly what Polk needs to jump-start his NFL career.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 09: A detail of a New England Patriots helmet prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Saints have to wait until 2026 to see Polk play.

Although the Saints acquired Polk before their Week 2 game against the San Francisco 49ers, they won't see him on the field until next season.

In late August, the Patriots placed Polk on season-ending injured reserve due to a shoulder injury that required surgery. The Saints are essentially buying low on the former 37th pick in hopes of striking gold in 2026.

Polk joins a wide receiver room in New Orleans that features Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Brandin Cooks and Devaughn Vele.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: