Less than 12 hours after leaving the 49ers, the Patriots’ former fourth-round rookie wide receiver moves New England with an emotional plea to return — willing to do anything to wear the colors that symbolize America one more time
Foxborough, Massachusetts – Less than 12 hours after being released from the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad in the middle of the playoff stretch, Javon Baker sent out a message that left much of the New England Patriots community silent. The Patriots’ former fourth-round pick did not hide his desire to return to where his NFL journey began — driven by an intense determination to earn the chance to wear the colors of New England once again.
Baker was once viewed as one of the young wide receivers the Patriots hoped could add speed and depth to the post–Tom Brady offense. But the harsh reality of the NFL arrived quickly. A difficult training camp, an uneven preseason, limited opportunities — and once Mike Vrabel took over, Baker was no longer part of the long-term plan. He was released at the end of the preseason, ending his time in New England far sooner than anyone expected, even as his desire to stay never faded.
At the college level, Baker was far from an ordinary prospect. Wearing the UCF Knights uniform, he was a primary starter, posting more than 1,100 receiving yards and 7–8 touchdowns during the 2022–2023 stretch. His speed, ability to run vertical routes, and talent for stretching the field pushed him onto draft boards and convinced the Patriots to invest a fourth-round pick in him. That résumé is a reminder that Baker’s foundation was real — not just a fleeting experiment.
At the most uncertain moment of his career, Baker chose to speak from the heart. “I know I didn’t show enough the first time. But if New England gives me another chance, I’ll do anything — special teams, practice squad, the smallest role. I just need the opportunity to prove I deserve to wear New England’s colors again and fight for this team.” The words spread quickly, striking an emotional chord with Patriots fans.
This is not a story about accolades or draft position. It is the story of a young player who understands he missed his timing — and is willing to pay the price to make it right. In the Patriots’ “earn it” culture, words like these carry weight. As the postseason highlights the value of depth and hunger, Baker’s message is unmistakable: if his name is called one more time, he will fight as if it is his final chance.
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