Pats Pulpit
Despite going through the waiver wire unclaimed, Javon Baker will not return to the New England Patriots.
The second-year wide receiver, who was let go by the team on Wednesday, is instead expected to join the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad. ESPN’s Mike Reiss was first to report the move.
Baker, 23, originally joined the Patriots as a fourth-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Making headlines right out of the gate due to his proclamation that he would “make people in wheelchairs stand up,” he had a quiet rookie season. Appearing in 11 games, he was on the field for only 118 snaps between offense an special teams and had no production outside of one 12-yard catch and three kickoff returns for a combined 79 yards.
Given his lack of production and a change in coaching staff, Baker reinvented himself this offseason. Instead of focusing only on offense, where he remained a backup player, he developed into a four-unit special teamer who finished preseson with a pair of tackles.
His work in the kicking game seemingly was the catalyst behind him surviving roster cuts as one of eight wide receivers on the Patriots’ initial 53-man roster. However, he was placed on waivers less than 24 hours later, after the team successfully claimed quarterback Tommy DeVito and cornerback Charles Woods.
Baker was not picked up by another team while on the waiver wire, seemingly opening the door for a return to New England’s practice squad. However, despite the team expressing interest in continuing to work with the UCF product, he has instead opted to take his talents to Philadelphia.
Following a series of transactions on Thursday, the Patriots currently have a full 16 players on their practice squad.
