Patriots insider thinks second-round pick WR could be on cut bubble
The New England Patriots have some tough decisions to make at the wide receiver position, including potentially cutting second-year wideout Ja’Lynn Polk.
NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry views the 2024 second-round draft pick as a potential roster bubble player, if Stefon Diggs doesn’t start the season out on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
The Patriots are currently carrying 12 wide receivers on their roster, but they’ll have to cut that number down to make the 53-man roster after training camp. That has led many to ponder who stays and who goes.
In a recent mailbag, Perry wrote that he views Polk, Kayshon Boutte and Javon Baker as potential roster bubble players:
“If Diggs is healthy, that eliminates one more roster spot for a young player. I would consider Polk, Boutte and Javon Baker squarely on the bubble right now simply based on the numbers and the track records of other players already on the roster.”
If Diggs opens up the season on the PUP list, that could open up an extra spot for a player. Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglas, Mack Hollins and rookie Kyle Williams are likely viewed as locks.
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Undrafted rookie Efton Chism III, who broke Cooper Kupp’s FCS record with a catch in 53 straight games, also seems to be on the right track to make the team, considering the Patriots signed him to a three-year deal with $234,000 in guaranteed base salary.
So even if Diggs doesn’t play right out of the gates, the Patriots might still have to make a tough decision between Polk, Boutte and Baker.
There was hope that Polk could develop into one of quarterback Drake Maye’s top receiving options. There were glimpses of it during last year’s training camp, but it all fell apart in the regular season. Polk struggled to make plays, and his snaps dwindled significantly.
Nobody is safe this time around in training camp. After only one season, Polk might already be facing a make-or-break year.
