New Orleans is already looking ahead to improve its wide receiving corps for the 2026 season.
The Saints are acquiring second-year wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk and a 2028 seventh-round draft pick from the New England Patriots in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round selection, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Saturday.
New Orleans has since announced the trade.
Polk suffered a shoulder injury during the 2025 preseason opener and was subsequently placed on season-ending injured reserve ahead of Week 1. The 23-year-old's return to an NFL field will now be with the Saints in 2026.
A second-round pick by the Patriots in 2024, Polk's rookie season in New England was an overall disappointment. The Washington alumnus produced just 12 receptions for 87 yards in 15 games played, but he did manage to find the end zone twice.
As it stands today, the Saints receiving corps features former first-round pick Chris Olave, speedster Rashid Shaheed and veteran Brandin Cooks. Trey Palmer, Devaughn Vele -- also recently traded to New Orleans -- and Mason Tipton round out the WR depth chart.
There figures to be plenty of opportunity for Saints WRs in 2026. Once rehabbing himself back to health, Polk will look to take advantage with a fresh start in New Orleans.
