New England Patriots fans scanning Friday’s first round of cuts probably had a minor heart attack when they saw the name “Polk” pop up. But no, Ja’Lynn’s not going anywhere, he’s just headed back to the injury list where he’s been most of the summer. The Polk in question? That’d be Jordan Polk, the undrafted cornerback from Texas State.
Related: Patriots receiver avoids being cut with brutal alternate fate for 2025 season
Patriots players who’ve been released, per Mike Vrabel: RJ Moten, Kyle Peko, Shane Watts, Jordon Polk, Jaheim Bell, Ben Wooldridge, Isaiah Bolden, Tyrese Robinson, Cole Fotheringham pic.twitter.com/g6fPCgiR1o
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) August 22, 2025
The rookie DB was one of a dozen or so long shots in camp, trying to sneak onto the backend of the 53 or at least earn a practice squad look. Polk had some intriguing measurables (5-foot-11 with freakish length) and flashed a little playmaking juice in college: six career forced fumbles, five sacks, and snaps all over the field from the nickel to the box. The Pats love versatility. They love special teams. So, they took a flyer, and it didn’t stick.
After Thursday night’s 42-10 disaster in East Rutherford, head coach Mike Vrabel didn’t waste much time making decisions. Polk was among the first cuts, along with RJ Moten, Kyle Peko, and Jaheim Bell. But Polk’s name probably caught the most attention, and not because of anything he did on the field.
Jordan Polk sent packing early after first wave of Patriots roster cuts
Ja’Lynn Polk, the receiver drafted 37th overall last year, isn’t going anywhere, though his own status has been a weird subplot all offseason.
Between the disappointing rookie year, the sudden leak of his latest shoulder injury (Vrabel was not a fan of that), and the wave of veteran receivers now ahead of him on the depth chart, the spotlight hasn’t been too kind to him. Still, when fans saw “Polk” listed on the first cut sheet, hearts dropped.
This is just your classic case of “guy with the same name gets booted.” And while Jordan Polk might be on his way out, don’t be surprised if his name circles back once the practice squad shuffle kicks off next week. As for Ja’Lynn, his luck needs to turn around fast... otherwise, another “Polk” could show up on the cut list, this time aimed squarely at the disappointing second-rounder.
Until then, only one Polk remains. For better or worse.