Saints WR Polk surprisingly retires from NFL at 24 — SkimNews
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- Ja'Lynn Polk has been placed on the reserve/retired list by the New Orleans Saints at age 24, announcing his decision less than a week into training camp.
- Coach Kellen Moore said Polk was excused from the last two practices for personal reasons and did not elaborate.
- The Saints acquired Polk and a 2028 seventh-round pick from the Patriots in September for a 2027 sixth-round pick, but he never played for New Orleans after arriving on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.
- The New England Patriots drafted Polk 37th overall in 2024, and he finishes his NFL career with 12 catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns across 15 games — all with New England.
- Polk was expected to compete for a roster spot in a crowded Saints wide receiver room that includes three 2025 draft picks, notably first-round selection Jordyn Tyson.
Why it matters: Polk's retirement before ever playing a snap for New Orleans closes a misfiring trade: the Saints moved a 2027 sixth-round pick for a player who arrived hurt and never suited up, leaving them with an open roster spot and cap space during a receiver rebuild centered on first-rounder Jordyn Tyson. The Patriots, meanwhile, recouped only a future sixth for a former second-round selection.
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