3 teams that can save Patriots with N’Keal Harry trade
By Jerry Trotta
We all remember when N’Keal Harry requested a trade from the New England Patriots last offseason, right?
Right before the start of training camp, the 2019 first-round pick — through his agent, no less — went behind Bill Belichick’s back and asked out of New England.
It was a bold tactic from a player who’s hardly contributed as a receiver. Not only did the Patriots deny his request, but Harry made himself even more un-tradable by suffering a shoulder injury during the preseason.
All signs point to the Patriots pulling the plug on Harry this offseason, but that’s more likely to come in the form of a trade than a release, given trading him would save more cap space and they have just $13.4 million in that regard even after releasing Kyle Van Noy this week.
The good news is Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus understands multiple teams have expressed interest in Harry, so trading him could be a walk in the park.
With that in mind, here are some clubs who could help expedite the pending breakup between Harry and New England.
#Patriots WR N’Keal Harry is a name to keep an eye on as a potential trade candidate before the draft, per source. Teams have shown recent interest in the 2019 first-round pick.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) March 10, 2022
3 teams who could trade for Patriots WR N’Keal Harry
3. Atlanta Falcons
Oh, how the tables have turned.
The Patriots were expected to pursue a trade for Calvin Ridley before he was suspended for the entirety of next season for gambling on games. Though a harsh punishment, it puts both Atlanta and New England in a bind at WR.
After trading Julio Jones to the Titans last offseason, the Falcons are now left with absolutely nothing at wide receiver. Seriously. Russell Gage, the team’s de facto No. 1 option, is scheduled to hit free agency. As is Cordarrelle Patterson, who contributed 52 catches for 548 yards and five touchdowns as a RB/WR hybrid.
Even Olamide Zaccheaus, who managed 406 receiving yards and three touchdowns last campaign, is out of a contract. That leaves Kyle Pitts, the No. 4 overall pick in last year’s draft, as the lone pass-catching option for quarterback Matt Ryan.
Here’s something else to consider. Despite having one of the worst rosters in the league, Atlanta has just $4 million in cap space. In order to revamp their WR corps, they’ll have to make cost-effective purchases. Hard to think of someone who fills that bill better than Harry and his $3.2 million cap hit for 2022.
Who says no?