Javon Baker makes 53-man roster despite up-and-down preseason

Wide receiver Javon Baker survived NFL cut day Tuesday with a chance at redemption following his disappointing rookie season.

Mark Daniels of MassLive was first to report the news of Baker returning to New England for 2025.

Baker was drafted 110th overall from University of Central Florida in 2024 and, in his first availability with New England media, promised, “Bring your popcorn. I make people in wheelchairs stand up.”

But the fourth-rounder struggled to make an impact as a rookie. He had just one catch for 12 receiving yards in 11 games, and returned three kicks for an average of just over 26 yards. He also made headlines just before the start of the season for a social media video in which he ranted about a traffic ticket he received at Logan Airport.

Despite his struggles last year, coach Mike Vrabel praised his performance on special teams during the preseason.

Javon Baker
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 16: New England Patriots wide receiver Javon Baker (6) looks on after the NFL preseason game between the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings on August 16th, 2025, in Minneapolis, MN. Photo credit Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

“When you have players, especially receivers, that can create a role, that can help you be big, physical, everything that we see out of Javon as a receiver - when they can embrace that as special teams players - guys that are big and physical and fast and willing, that translates to special teams,” Vrabel said, following the Patriots’ preseason matchup with the Washington Commanders.

Baker had a productive camp with a few stretches of genuine capability, but he spent the bulk of his reps with backups, staring up at a packed depth chart of wideouts.

With the bulk of his 2024 draft class out of the building, Baker has a rare opportunity at a second chance - whether it comes through catching passes from Drake Maye, or supercharging special teams.

Stay locked in to WEEI and WEEI.com for all the latest on the Patriots' 53-man roster, and make sure to check out our cutdown day tracker for a full breakdown.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images