Ja'Lynn Polk: Everything you need to know

Polk (shoulder) is participating in the Saints' OTAs, Ross Jackson of LouisianaSports.net reports. Polk was forced to miss the entire 2025 season due to a shoulder injury he suffered in the preseason, but it appears he's healthy again with offseason workouts now in progress. New Orleans added first-rounder Jordyn Tyson, fourth-rounder Bryce Lance and sixth-rounder Barion Brown in the 2026 NFL Draft back in April, so Polk's potential path to a spot on the final 53-man roster is a narrow one.

The Patriots traded Polk (shoulder) and a 2028 seventh-round pick to the Saints for a 2027 sixth-round pick Saturday, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports. Polk is on season-ending injured reserve due to a shoulder injury and won't make an appearance for the Saints until next season at the earliest. The 2024 second-round pick will get a fresh start with the Saints after struggling as a rookie with just 12 catches on 33 targets for 87 yards and two touchdowns.

The Patriots placed Polk (shoulder) on injured reserve Tuesday. Polk's placement on IR coincides with a slew of other transactions submitted by New England relating to the 53-man roster deadline. The 2024 second-round pick will miss his entire sophomore season as he works to recover from shoulder surgery undergone to address an injury suffered during the Patriots' preseason opener against Washington.