Patriots should absolutely find trade partner for N’Keal Harry if rumors are true
New England Patriots fans have certainly pondered about this before, but now it could become a reality.
According to NFL insider Mike Garafolo, Bill Belichick and Co. have fielded calls from other teams inquiring about a trade for N’Keal Harry, who’s been labeled as a bust by some after being taken in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
The flip side of that argument has valid points, however.
Harry began his career in New England injured, played in only seven games his rookie season, and never developed a rapport with Tom Brady.
Then came the infamous 2020 campaign, which featured a shortened offseason, no preseason, and the Patriots losing a ton of key players.
The cards have hardly fallen in Harry’s favor, but he’s also done little to help his cause, most notably with his performance in 2020.
Per @MikeGarafolo, teams have reached out to the Patriots inquiring about a possible trade for WR N'Keal Harry
— Kevin Patra (@kpatra) March 10, 2021
If the Patriots have the opportunity to move him and get something in return, they should simply do it. That’s not to say Harry can’t rebound, but at this point, a change of scenery and a fresh start would likely be best.
Are the Patriots N’Keal Harry trade rumors for real?
Despite his size and talent, he’s failed to catch on with the Patriots and now could have his third quarterback in as many years. At this point, he’ll need a remarkable rebound over these next couple of years to convince the Patriots to pick up his fifth-year option. All of the factors at this very moment suggest that will not happen.
And Belichick isn’t exactly a guy who’s willing to keep waiting around when the circumstances become dire.
This is not surprising. I believe they would be open to moving Harry. https://t.co/NMJIHhZp2u
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 10, 2021
The Patriots need to move the needle this offseason, especially on offense, and with free agency and the draft stacked with talented wide receivers who could contribute from the jump, why not go in a different direction? Improve your immediate situation, give Harry a more favorable opportunity without all the pressure on his shoulders.
It’s a win-win.
Teams are exploring a trade for #Patriots 2019 First round pick WR N'Keal Harry, per @MikeGarafolo
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 10, 2021
Harry struggled in the past two seasons, catching only 45 passes for 414 yards with only 9.2 yards per catch.
A fresh start might do him good.
The Pats already have a well-liked in-house option in Jakobi Meyers. Though Julian Edelman’s status is up in the air, there’s still a chance he comes back. Even Gunner Olszewski seems like he’d be a more impactful option than Harry at this point. With all that cap space, the Pats can go out and get a guy like Kenny Golladay, or hit the bargain bin and scoop up Emmanuel Sanders.
Take the draft pick. Let Harry find himself elsewhere. Take the L. Move on. The Pats can only stand to benefit from this.
