Who Should I Start? Ainias Smith or Ja'Lynn Polk

Tuesday, August 19, 9:35 AM

Second-year Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Ainias Smith has enjoyed a healthy training camp, and his coaches have taken notice. Last season, as a fifth-round rookie, he struggled through camp with a stress fracture in his shin that would eventually land him on Injured Reserve for two months. This year, he is healthy and competing for one of the Eagles' last receiver spots on the 53-man roster. He has played in each of the team's first two preseason games, catching a touchdown in both and returning punts and kicks, as his path to the roster may run through special teams. Smith has been competing with fellow second-year wideout Johnny Wilson and undrafted rookie Darius Cooper for one of the team's final roster spots, and on Sunday, the Eagles acquired former second-round pick John Metchie III from the Houston Texans. Whoever can win the camp battle will have little relevance in managed redraft leagues, but could be worth a stash in deep dynasty formats.

Saturday, September 13, 12:44 PM

The New Orleans Saints are acquiring wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (shoulder) and a 2028 seventh-round pick from the New England Patriots for a 2027 sixth-round pick, per Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Polk is currently on season-ending Injured Reserve due to a shoulder issue, so this is a future-focused move for New Orleans. A second-round pick in 2024, Polk recorded just 12 catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games for New England as a rookie. He'll now get a chance at a fresh start with the Saints.