After a brutal loss, the Patriots rookie wide receiver JaLynn Polk made a cryptic post that could signal a Ravens, Chiefs trade. According to a report, Polk caught zero out of three targets and since his performance, he took to Instagram to post a “peace sign” emoji which may lead him to want out of New England. As of this posting, he deleted the post but it’s still something to speculate if the Patriots will trade the rookie despite him being in his first year after shopping Tyquan Thornton. The entire offense is tearing apart in New England despite benching Jacoby Brissett in favor of Drake Maye so they’ll likely be sellers this upcoming trade deadline.
After claiming he has one of the best hands in the league, Polk might wind up on the trade block. This isn’t anything new for the Patriots since Thornton will likely head to a new team but it seems unusual for a rookie to move on so early. However, anything could be possible at the right price and it’s worth bringing up the possibility of a trade. Polk was one of the prospects they were hoping could develop but frustrations building already might make it easier for any team to pursue him in a trade while he’s still on a rookie contract.
Rookie JaLynn Polk Makes Cryptic Post That Could Signal Ravens, Chiefs Trade
More Weapons for Lamar Jackson
The Ravens don’t necessarily need a new pass catcher despite losing Odell Beckham Jr., who they were hoping to replace. It’s clear that Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are their two top targets but they know Nelson Agholor is nothing more than a steady veteran contributor. Perhaps, DeVontez Walker might get a chance this season but that isn’t guaranteed since Lamar Jackson has enough weapons including running backs Derrick Henry and Justice Hill to work with. They should start building a new WR3 since Agholor may not be retainable since he’s getting older and probably won’t give him the contract he wants.
The Ravens are saving money to give Flowers a big enough contract after already extending Bateman. However, adding Polk to the mix could give Walker and Tylan Wallace some competition for the WR3 spot. The Patriots might not trade Polk to their rival but the possibility is always there for the right price. Polk doesn’t need to be a full-time starter but it would be beneficial for his development to learn behind a ferocious offense like the Ravens.
Emergency Depth
The Chiefs missed out on Davante Adams and Amari Cooper since they’re looking to add a new receiver. Andy Reid may not want to add some familiarity like Marquez Valdes-Scantling but they should probably think about their reserve players. Skyy Moore hasn’t been playing to his potential and JuJu Smith-Schuster is looking more like a journeyman. They probably won’t add a superstar trade candidate like DeAndre Hopkins so it might be better to invest in someone like Polk.
Mecole Hardman is a durable rotational pass catcher but he might not be a building block for the future. Rashee Rice will come back next year so they need a reliable WR3 since there’s no guarantee that Marquise Brown will fill that role. He’ll likely have to work toward it but Polk should be a nice valuable receiver that the Chiefs could work around. Polk probably won’t be the fastest but he does have the size and agility to translate the same skillset.
