New Orleans Saints wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk has been placed on the reserve/retired list, ending his NFL career at age 24. Polk, drafted 37th overall by the Patriots in 2024, never played for the Saints after being traded last September alongside a 2028 seventh-rounder in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick. He was placed on injured reserve by New England with a shoulder injury before the trade.

Polk made the surprising decision to retire less than a week into 2026 training camp, citing personal reasons. Saints coach Kellen Moore confirmed Polk was excused from recent practices. The Saints' wide receiver room, already crowded with three rookie draft picks including first-rounder Jordyn Tyson, likely influenced his decision.

In his lone NFL season, Polk made 12 catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns across 15 games. He finishes his career with the Patriots, where he was selected by general manager Bill Belichick's staff. The 2028 draft pick received in the trade remains New England's asset for future roster moves.