As expected, Javon Baker found himself on the wrong side of the Patriots’ roster bubble earlier this week. The second-year wideout has not needed to wait long to find his next opportunity, though. 
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Baker plans to sign with the Eagles on their practice squad, ESPN’s Mike Reiss reports. The 2024 fourth-rounder considered multiple options, per Reiss. One of those was a return to the Patriots on their taxi squad. Instead, a change of scenery will take place.
Leading up to this week’s round of roster cuts, it was clear Baker and fellow 2024 draftee Ja’Lynn Polk were in danger of being waived. Polk has since landed on season-ending injured reserve, preventing a decision on keeping him or letting him go from needing to be made. After making New England’s initial 53-man, meanwhile, Baker was waived on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old made 11 appearances with the Patriots as a rookie, but in that time he made just one scoreless catch. Baker joins veteran Kendrick Bourne as a receiver New England – now led by head coach Mike Vrabel – has parted ways with in advance of the season. As the team moves forward with an altered WR group, Philadelphia will take a flier on Baker.
The Alabama and UCF product will join a receiving corps led once again by A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Jahan Dotson. Philadelphia lost Johnny Wilson last week to season-ending surgery, hindering the team’s depth. Trade acquisition John Metchie is in position to operate as a backup, but Baker will give the Eagles another option on the practice squad. It will be interesting to see if he receives a gameday elevation early in the campaign.