Patriots writer speculates a couple of trades could be on the way
The 2022 NFL Draft is over without a blockbuster trade from anybody, but it’s possible there will be movement leading up to training camp. Of the teams expected to be involved on the trade front, the New England Patriots are arguably atop list.
The Pats don’t exactly possess any premier talent to trade, but they’re going to need to clear some roster spots for the incoming rookie class. Right off the bat, fans look at N’Keal Harry and Jarrett Stidham as the dead weight that needs to go.
If you ask Henry McKenna of The Patriots Wire, perhaps that list is more expansive than many initially believed. In an early piece projecting the team’s 53-man roster, McKenna listed wide receiver Nelson Agholor and running back Damien Harris as two other possible trade candidates.
At first, Agholor’s cap hit for the 2022 season ($10 million) proved to be problematic in trade discussions. As for Harris, he’s the team’s leading rusher and likely starting running back despite the emergence of Rhamondre Stevenson.
Who might the Patriots trade away after the NFL draft? And who might they add in free agency? https://t.co/bru2tE29y1
— The Patriots Wire (@Patriots_Wire) May 4, 2022
Might the Patriots trade a few players before training camp begins?
The acquisition of DeVante Parker and the selection of Tyquan Thornton in the second round of the draft has certainly changed the complexion of the roster a bit here, especially with Parker under contract through 2023. The Patriots ridding themselves of Agholor and Harry would hardly take away any meaningful production, as Agholor’s first year in New England was beyond underwhelming and Harry has been one of the worst first-round draft picks in franchise history.
A wide receiving corps of Kendrick Bourne, Jakobi Meyers, Parker and Thornton will certainly do, with tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith taking up decent volume in the passing game as well.
The Patriots will want to trade N'Keal Harry for salary cap reasons. But yeah, might not have a partner.
— Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis) May 4, 2022
The Patriots might have to trade Agholor WITH a late pick, because it's a salary dump.
And maybe they can get a 4th/5th for Harris? https://t.co/bI8FdkwX01
As for Harris, there was very faint writing on the wall for the former Alabama star late last season when Stevenson emerged as a viable threat in the rushing attack. Then, last week, New England drafted Pierre Strong Jr. out of South Dakota State in the fourth round and Kevin Harris out of South Carolina in the sixth round to further add to their running backs room.
Strong Jr. was the fastest running back in the draft and Harris ran for 1,138 yards and 15 touchdowns on 6.2 YPC back in 2020 (and had a solid 2021 with the Gamecocks despite split duties). Throw in the return of James White and the addition to Ty Montgomery in the offseason and there’s certainly a case for the Pats to trade Harris in his contract year.
Nothing’s in the works at the moment, and there’s not even any true buzz at this point, but examining the roster certainly tells fans a bit more than they might’ve realized a couple weeks ago.
