Patriots Daily: Javon Baker Officially Signs Rookie Contract

The New England Patriots moved closer to getting their 2024 NFL Draft class signed on Friday, announcing the signing of wide receiver Javon Baker. New England has agreed to terms with four of eight selections, though their top four remain unsigned. Baker joins Marcellas Dial Jr., Joe Milton III, and Jaheim Bell as signed selections for the Patriots.

Although Drake Maye, Ja’Lynn Polk, Caeden Wallace, and Layden Robinson remain unsigned, there is no reason for any holdout concerns yet. Christian Gonzalez, the Patriots first-round pick in 2023, did not agree to his rookie deal until July 21 last year.

Javon Baker began his college career at Alabama before transferring to UCF. He finished last season with 52 receptions for 1,139 yards and seven touchdowns. Baker ranked second nationally with 21.9 yards per reception. New England anticipates the fourth-round selection (No. 110 overall) not just make the 53-man roster, but contribute immediately. Signing his rookie deal is a great first step.

A look at Javon Baker’s anticipated contract details via Patriots salary cap expert Miguel Benzan:

Bumping up as a reminder since Javon Baker signed his rookie deal today https://t.co/z8uSS5PrVQ

— Patscap (@patscap) May 24, 2024

Also in today’s Patriots Daily:

Football Fun Fact of the Day

No player from Central Florida played in the NFL before 1987. There have now been 75 UCF players, not including 2024 rookie like Javon Baker. Kicker Matt Prater has played the most NFL games of any UCF alum. Shawn Jefferson leads among non-kickers. Eight Knights have made a Pro Bowl and two (Brandon Marshall and Asante Samuel) were named All-Pro.

Javon Baker will be the seventh UCF player to play for the New England Patriots. The other six are Elgin Davis, Shawn Jefferson, Asante Samuel, Doug Gabriel, Kamar Aiken, and Trysten Hill.

Post of the Day

Today’s Post of the Day is the first time two combine for the honor. Patriots wide receiver K.J. Osborn announced he was throwing out the first pitch at the Red Sox game from atop the Green Monster, then a clip of him actually on the field:

.@KJ_Osborn at the @RedSox 👀 pic.twitter.com/RGOLeoPxVy

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) May 24, 2024

❤️ ¡Bienvenido, K.J.!

🏈 @patriotsespanol | @KJ_Osborn pic.twitter.com/nSRMSLCYwL

— Red Sox de Boston (@RedSoxBeisbol) May 25, 2024

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Boston Bruins

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Today’s feature – Ullmark could net Bruins Chychrun, first round pick

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