Saints WR Polk surprisingly retires from NFL at 24
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- Ja'Lynn Polk has been placed on the reserve/retired list by the New Orleans Saints, announced Sunday, making the surprise call less than a week into training camp at age 24.
- Saints coach Kellen Moore said Polk was excused from the last two practices for personal reasons, calling the retirement Polk's decision.
- The Patriots selected Polk 37th overall in the 2024 draft; he finishes his NFL career with 12 catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns across 15 games — one season in New England.
- The Saints acquired Polk and a 2028 seventh-round pick from New England last September for a 2027 sixth-round pick, but Polk never played for New Orleans, having been on injured reserve with a shoulder injury when traded.
- Polk was expected to compete for a roster spot in a crowded receiver room that added three rookies this offseason, including first-round pick Jordyn Tyson.
Why it matters: A 37th-overall pick retiring at 24 with just 12 career catches is a tangible sunk cost for the Patriots' 2024 draft capital, while the Saints lose a body they hadn't seen take a snap, opening a roster spot in a receiver room they already stocked with three rookies including first-rounder Jordyn Tyson.
