Steelers Now
Another potential wide receiver target for the Pittsburgh Steelers hit the waiver wire on Wednesday, as the New England Patriots placed second-year receiver Javon Baker on waivers, one day after keeping him as part of their initial 53-man roster.
The Patriots had an untenable eight wide receivers on their initial 53, but the release of veteran wide receiver Kendrick Bourne was reported early on Wednesday. Baker, 23, hit the waiver wire later on Wednesday as the Pats cut to a more-manageable six wide receivers on their active roster.
New England head coach Mike Vrabel elected to go with veterans Kayshon Boutte, Stephon Diggs, Pop Douglas and Mack Hollins and rookies Kyle Williams and Efton Chism as his six receivers for this season.
A 6-foot-1, 202-pound UCF alum, Baker was the Patriots’ fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, takin him just a few picks before the Steelers landed Mason McCormick.
As a rookie in 2024, Baker played in 11 games and made one start. He was targeted just four times and made one catch for 12 yards. Of his 46 total snaps, 40 were played at outside receiver.
While Baker did not make a big impression as a receiver, he was an active member of the New England special teams units. He returned three kickoffs for 79 yards and also played on kick cover and punt return teams.
Baker had above-average athletic testing results in the pre-draft process, running a 4.54-second 40-yard dash and posting an impressive 37-inch vertical jump.
He put up video game numbers as a senior at UCF in 2023, catching 52 passes for an AAC-leading 1,139 yards and an eye-popping 21.9 yards per reception. He scored seven touchdowns.
A highly-touted reciting coming out of Powder Springs, Georgia, Baker first spent two seasons at Alabama before transferring to UCF in 2022.
The Steelers have been seeking another outside receiver to pair with DK Metcalf, ever since trading George Pickens back in May. They would have to clear a spot on their 53-man active roster in order to add Baker.
In addition to helping the Steelers’ wide receiver depth, Baker could also provide some intel on the Patriots, who the Steelers will visit in Week 3.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Patriots Send Potential Steelers WR Target to Waiver Wire
