Photo credit: Ja’Lynn Polk (Instagram)
Ja’Lynn Polk has announced his retirement from the NFL at age 24.
The New Orleans Saints placed the wide receiver on the reserve/retired list Sunday after Polk made the unexpected decision less than a week into training camp.
Saints head coach Kellen Moore said Polk missed the team’s final two practices for personal reasons before the roster move became official.
The decision ends Polk’s NFL career after only one season.
Saints acquired Ja’Lynn Polk from Patriots
The Saints acquired Polk from the New England Patriots in September 2025.
The trade included Polk and a 2028 seventh-round draft pick going to New Orleans. In return, the Patriots received a 2027 sixth-round pick.
However, Polk never appeared in a game for the Saints. The Patriots had already placed him on injured reserve because of a shoulder injury before the trade.
Heading into training camp, Polk was expected to compete for a spot in a crowded Saints wide receiver group.
The team added several new receivers through the draft, including first-round selection Jordyn Tyson. Polk faced strong competition as he tried to earn a role on the roster.
Ja’Lynn Polk’s NFL career comes to an early end
The Patriots selected Polk with the No. 37 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
The former Washington standout entered the league with high expectations after a strong college career.
During his rookie season with New England, Polk played in 15 games. He recorded 12 receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns.
Although his NFL career was brief, Polk showed potential as a young receiver before deciding to step away from football.
His retirement comes at an unusual point in the offseason, with teams preparing for the upcoming season.
Other NFL training camp updates
While the Saints dealt with Polk’s retirement, other teams also made news during training camp.
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Zach Tom announced a major personal change. The 27-year-old changed his last name to Zach Bako-Bewele to honor his Nigerian heritage.
Bako-Bewele explained that the new name represents his family history and the legacy he hopes to pass down to future generations.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett missed his third straight practice because of lower-body soreness.
Rams coach Sean McVay said the team is being cautious with Garrett and does not believe there is a serious issue.
Garrett, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, is expected to return after the team’s upcoming break.
Ja’Lynn Polk begins a new chapter
Polk’s retirement closes a short but memorable NFL journey.
After entering the league as a second-round pick, he now moves into a new phase away from professional football.
The Saints will continue preparing for the season while adjusting their wide receiver competition following Polk’s departure.
Source: ESPN
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