With roster cuts approaching, all 32 NFL clubs will release dozens of players into the proverbial void. While some will return on a practice squad basis, many others will hit the open market and find new homes. The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ process is just as difficult as that of any team.
Near the end of the preseason, there’s already a solid idea of some potential cut candidates around the league. One of them, New England Patriots wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk, reportedly piques the interest of Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan.
UPDATE: Per a report from Jordan Schultz, Polk will “miss the entire 2025 season” following surgery to repair a shoulder injury.
The original article, in its entirety, resumes below.
Steelers Have Reportedly Done ‘Homework’ on Patriots WR Ja’Lynn Polk
According to an August 19 report from Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan, the Steelers “have done some homework” on the Polk situation.
Source: Steelers have done some homework on Patriots WR Ja’Lynn Polk,” Fillipponi’s tweet read. “He’s likely to get cut in NE. He was the 37th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. An intriguing player to trade a 7th rounder for or claim off waivers. Stay tuned.”
Polk, still just 23 years old, generated plenty of buzz entering year one in the NFL thanks to a stellar close to his collegiate career. In 2023-24 with Washington, he recorded 69 receptions for 1,159 yards and 9 touchdowns. That led to New England picking him early in the second round of last year’s draft.
It’s safe to say Polk didn’t make the impression many had hoped for in Foxborough, though. In 15 games, he converted on just 12 of his 33 targets for 87 yards and 2 touchdowns. The former Huskies standout played 436 snaps on offense but failed to cash in on his upside.
Advanced stats don’t help Polk’s case whatsoever. According to Pro Football Focus, 115 wide receivers logged at least 30 targets last season. Unfortunately for Polk, he ranked dead last in overall offense grade (43.1) and receiving grade (45.4). A high drop rate (14.3%) and low contested catch rate (23.1%) marked an even worse reflection of his debut campaign. Arm and shoulder injuries have plagued him early on.
Despite all of that, Polk remains interesting. It’s easy to give young players some grace. Not only that, but he’s a high-level athlete with plus size (6-foot-1, 203 pounds) and explosiveness (37.5-inch vertical jump).
Breaking Down Pittsburgh’s Wideout Room With Preseason Coming to a Close
In the event Polk gets cut, he’d go through the waiver system and presumably have plenty of suitors. Given his draft status and how recently that occurred, it’s hard to envision the entire football world already being out on him. Coming off a 10-7 season, the Steelers would have to wait a bit on the wire in terms of order. One way to circumvent that is executing a trade for Polk if the Patriots are indeed waiving him anyway. Is that necessary?
The beauty of Pittsburgh’s wideout room is in the eye of the beholder. At the top, there’s little questioning that DK Metcalf is the best receiver on the roster. With that said, there is questioning whether he’s a true No. 1 option at the highest level. Behind him, the team is banking on one or both of Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson to develop as young pieces. Wilson is standing out to quarterback Aaron Rodgers and head coach Mike Tomlin this preseason.
Neither of the three veterans in the room — Scotty Miller, Robert Woods or Ben Skowronek — should prevent the team from bringing in young pieces with upside. That undoubtedly comes at a cost, but it’s something smart teams do even if the moves don’t pan out. This is a top-heavy unit that could benefit from another long-term option to look forward to.
The short answer is, well, yes. The Steelers would likely be wise to continue doing their homework on Polk. The more complicated answer, as the franchise knows all too well, is there are plenty of moving pieces here.
Steelers Have ‘Done Some Homework’ on Former Second-Round WR: Report