UNDERDOG: New Orleans Saints’ Ja’Lynn Polk Primed for a BIG Impact at Wide Receiver in 2026

Ja’Lynn Polk could be the New Orleans Saints’ secret weapon at wide receiver in 2026. Polk’s versatility, NFL-ready frame, and contested catch ability could fill the critical void behind Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele. With a revamped receiving corps, Polk’s return from injury adds intrigue to a position group searching for an explosive edge and production beyond its stars.

The impact of linebacker Isaiah Salbird’s Swiss Army knife skill set and how Vernon Broughton’s return from injury could bolster the Saints’ run defense. Plus, kicker Charlie Smyth’s inspiring rise from Ireland to the NFL gets a closer look as competition heats up.

00:21 Secret Weapon?: Ja’Lynn Polk
10:41 Saints’ Defensive Swiss Army Knife: Isaiah Stalbird
19:39 Run Defense Hope: Vernon Broughton

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19 comments

  3. The Nfl is a win now business teams don't have the luxury of developing a player 3-4 years. The coach will be fired and next coach will dismiss most of the players on the team and here we go again wash, rinse, and repeat. The saints need to clean up their Cap situation we need immediate help at guards, interior defensive linemen, cornerbacks, and wide receiver. What do y'all think is the Saints Player position of greatest needs in order. There's no wrong or right just for entertainment. ROSS, your the best of all LockedOn podcasts

  6. If Polk, Palmer and Damien Alford turn out to be good WR's then we struck gold. Saints should still sign a FA WR like Doubs or get one in the draft in the 3rd round

  7. Been saying I don’t see it making sense to go WR @ 8. They spent a 4th and whatever for Polk and Vele in separate deals.

    You made that bed. Now lay in it and get help elsewhere.

  12. Polk could be an impact player, but I'm not resting on what we have in the WR room.

    We still need a #1 WR (Chris Olave is a #2 & Olave doesn't make the big catch when needed), a #1 TE (not sold on Juwan Johnson as a #1 TE), & another WR in case Polk or even Devaughn Vale doesn't have a major impact in 2026.

  15. I wanted a WR as our 1st pick. After listening to all sorts of different ideas I am thinking Love with the 1st pick (if it falls that way) and get that guard or two in free agency. We have money to upgrade a couple of positions with high quality free agents.

    I love Kamara but he is getting up there and Estime would be nice to keep behind Love. Kendre is never available so that makes him expendable and Neal should get another chance. Our wr room is interesting and I think if Vele can keep on a upward trajectory could be huge.

    Thank Ross.

  16. Im a uw fan. Polk is a excellent receiver. Possession guy. Dont know what happened in NE but maye didnt like him, Hes tough can catch contested balls ect. If he doesn't work you took a chance on a player on most boards top 90.

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