Since they’re undergoing a rebuilding regime, the New England Patriots will likely cut former 2024 draft pick Javon Baker. According to one report, there’s reason to believe that the Patriots may purge release at least most of their wide receivers. The Patriots have too many receivers in their unit, including Ja’Lynn Polk and Kayshon Boutte, who are also cut candidates. It’s hard to believe that most of these talents could become free agents soon, but some tough decisions have to be made to make room for what new head coach Mike Vrabel is trying to establish in New England.
After signing Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins in free agency, the team is trying to build a new dynamic duo, and the most obvious part of that group will include Kendrick Bourne, who himself might be playing his last season with the Patriots this year. New England has three wide receivers on lock and Demario Douglas in the background as well, which doesn’t leave much room for weapons like Baker. Originally selected in the fourth round, the former UCF product has yet to prove himself, but was named to the All-Big-12 after recording 52 receptions for 1,139 yards and seven touchdowns. The upside is obviously there, so these three teams should take a chance on him even if he’s a WR4 in the background, trying to prove that he can establish himself as a versatile receiver.
Kayshon Boutte
Jul 24, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (7), wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (80), wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (11), wide receiver JaQuae Jackson (82), wide receiver Javon Baker (6), and wide receiver Kawaan Baker (86) work on drills during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
REPORT: Patriots “Likely” to Cut 2024 Draft Pick Javon Baker – 3 Logical Fits
Potential Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
Despite trading for George Pickens this offseason, the Dallas Cowboys could use another wide receiver to bolster their unit. The Cowboys haven’t been able to use Jonathan Mingo exceptionally well, so it’s hard to imagine that he has any upside to provide for this offensive unit. Meanwhile, Jalen Tolbert is entering an important contract year, so he could break out at any matchup this upcoming season. Mingo may be on the chopping block if the Cowboys don’t see any improvements during NFL Training Camp; they could sign Baker to salvage the unit.
However, it all depends on what the Cowboys do with Tolbert. Dallas needs more dependable weapons in the background, and Baker could serve as a backup option, so he may come in when the Cowboys are struggling to get anything out of their pass offense.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are still in dire need of a wide receiver, even though Tre Harris has a chance to turn into a consistent weapon alongside 2024 draft pick Ladd McConkey. The Chargers won’t go far into the postseason with veteran Mike Williams, as he’s too washed up. Head Coach Jim Harbaugh must continue to develop wide receiver talent so that quarterback Justin Herbert can excel for plenty of years to come. While Baker has a long way to go to become a proven weapon, the Chargers could get him in the best spot to help McConkey in a few slant routes.
New Orleans Saints
Following Derek Carr’s retirement, the New Orleans Saints will need all the wide receiver talent they can get to establish the next signal-caller. No matter if it’s Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler, the team needs additional support since, after signing Brandin Cooks, he’s way past his prime, and Chris Olave could request a trade at any moment. Baker could at least provide some type of temporary life in the backend behind Rashid Shaheed and Cooks.