Patriots Trade For Jalen Saunders

According to multiple sources the New England Patriots have traded a conditional seventh round draft pick to the New Orleans Saints for former Jets wide receiver/returner Jalen Saunders.

The diminutive Saunders struggled mightily in his short time with the Jets before he was cut early in his rookie season.  He eventually wound up with New Orleans, where he enjoyed some success as a kick and punt returner while also catching one pass for 7 yards as a wide receiver.  He was beaten out for the returner position in New Orleans this year by UDFA rookie Marcus Murphy and was not expected to make the team.

Saunders has an uphill battle making the Patriots' final roster, as he now has just a few days before final cuts to convince the Patriots he is worth a spot on the team.  The conditional seventh round pick the Patriots traded to acquire Saunders is likely conditional on Saunders making the team. If so, the trade amounts to a risk free tryout. If Saunders impresses enough in just a few days to make the Patriots, he will be worth a seventh round pick.  If not, the Patriots lose nothing other than a spot on the 75 man roster for a few days.