Ja’Lynn Polk Abruptly Retires as Saints Place Former Patriots Draft Choose on Reserve List

Former New England Patriots second-round draft choose Ja’Lynn Polk has determined to retire from the NFL at simply 24 years outdated, ending his soccer profession just one week into the New Orleans Saints’ coaching camp.

Ja’Lynn Polk Retires From NFL

The Saints positioned Polk on the reserve/retired listing on Sunday after the large receiver stepped away from the group.

Polk had been taking part in coaching camp whereas hoping to earn a spot on New Orleans’ roster, making his sudden determination sudden.

Polk was chosen by the Patriots with the No. 37 total choose within the 2024 NFL Draft after a standout school profession on the University of Washington. He entered the league with excessive expectations however struggled to search out constant success throughout his quick time within the NFL.

The large receiver completed his profession with 12 receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns, all coming throughout his rookie season with New England, USA Today reported. He has not appeared in an NFL recreation because the 2024 season.

The Saints acquired Polk from the Patriots in September 2025 regardless of figuring out he was recovering from a season-ending damage. The group deliberate to guage him throughout the 2026 offseason and coaching camp as he competed for a job in a crowded large receiver group.

Saints Place Ja’Lynn Polk on Reserve/Retired List

Although accidents affected Polk early in his profession, they didn’t seem like the primary cause behind his retirement determination. He was seen working towards with the Saints as not too long ago as Thursday earlier than the group introduced his transfer to the reserve/retired listing.

According to the NY Post, Saints head coach Kellen Moore beforehand stated Polk was away from Friday and Sunday practices due to “personal things.” The group didn’t present further particulars about his determination to retire.

Before reaching the NFL, Polk was one in every of Washington’s key gamers throughout its run to the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. He had a memorable efficiency within the Sugar Bowl towards Texas, catching 5 passes for 122 yards and a landing in Washington’s victory.

Polk shared the sector at Washington with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and large receiver Rome Odunze, who was later chosen ninth total by the Chicago Bears in the identical NFL Draft class.

During the 2024 draft, the Patriots traded again from the No. 34 choose and chosen Polk at No. 37. The gamers chosen shortly after him included a number of rising NFL abilities, equivalent to Los Angeles Chargers receiver Ladd McConkey, Philadelphia Eagles defensive again Cooper DeJean, and Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper.

The Saints had hoped Polk may compete for a bigger function of their offense, doubtlessly changing into their fourth choice behind Chris Olave, Jordyn Tyson, and Devaughn Vele.