Javon Baker chooses Eagles practice squad over return to Patriots: Report
Javon Baker chooses Eagles practice squad over return to Patriots: Report originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Javon Baker era in New England is over before its second season.
Baker plans to join the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad after mulling multiple options," one of which was a return to the Patriots' practice squad, ESPN's Mike Reiss reported Friday.
Baker surprisingly made New England's initial 53-man roster, which emerged from Tuesday's cutdown day with eight wide receivers. The Patriots released him Wednesday, however, and while they have an open spot on their practice squad, the second-year wideout is free to sign with any NFL team after clearing waivers at 4 p.m. ET on Thursday.
Simply put, Baker's brief tenure in New England was a massive disappointment. After the Patriots selected him in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the UCF product boasted that he could make people in wheelchairs stand up" with his talent. Instead, he mostly sat on the bench, playing just 12 percent of New England's offensive snaps and finishing the season with one catch for 12 yards.
Baker also dealt with multiple off-field issues, including a heated rant on social media over a traffic ticket that led to discipline from the team and a missed curfew in London before the Patriots' game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The 23-year-old appeared to turning a corner this preseason and attempted to carve out a role on special teams, earning praise from head coach Mike Vrabel for his contributions there. But that still wasn't enough to earn Baker a spot in the Patriots' crowded receiver room, and apparently he'd prefer a fresh start with the defending Super Bowl champions in Philly over a spot on New England's practice squad.
The Patriots also cut bait with veteran Kendrick Bourne, who reportedly has visits planned with the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders as he explores his options in free agency.
After Baker's departure, just two players from New England's 2024 draft class - quarterback Drake Maye and offensive lineman Caedan Wallace - are on the active roster. Wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk and cornerback Marcellas Dial are both on season-ending injured reserve.
