Patriots beat writer sees ‘no use’ for N’Keal Harry on 53-man roster

Shocking news? Not by any means. But whenever New England Patriots fans hear this kind of stuff from team insiders/beat reports, it at least provides a more definitive road map beyond the speculation and casual conversation that has persisted for a few years now.

N’Keal Harry has no role on the team’s 53-man roster, which has been fairly evident since 2020. The 2019 first-round pick was given a pass his rookie season after he got a late start due to an injury and then failed to develop a rapport with Tom Brady in the seven games he was allotted following his return.

Some might’ve pointed to 2020 also being a bit unfair because Cam Newton was an especially bad passer that year, but Harry’s 33 catches for 309 yards over 14 games was egregious when you consider Julian Edelman had six more yards than that in eight fewer games, running back James White had 66 more in the same amount of games, and 2019 undrafted free agent Jakobi Meyers more than doubled Harry’s production (59 catches for 729 yards).

Then came 2021 with rookie QB Mac Jones. One last chance, perhaps? Harry requested a trade prior to the season, wasn’t granted his wish, then proceeded to catch 12 passes for 184 yards across 12 games despite a renewed energy on the offensive side of the ball.

Whether it’s New England, the arduous start to Harry’s career, or the fact that he’s been with three different quarterbacks across three seasons, it’s clear he has no role on this team, and Henry McKenna of The Patriots Wire believes he’ll be gone before Week 1.

Is N’Keal Harry done as a New England Patriots WR?

Here’s what McKenna wrote in his recent column:

"“There are a few players who clearly look like they’re on the way out. Keene and Asiasi might make the team, but I’m not sure how — or if — they’ll contribute. Jennings is another player who is a former third-round pick but isn’t matching the expectations that come with that draft status.“And then there’s Harry, who I can’t imagine being on the roster when the season starts. He wants out. The Patriots have no use for him.”"

Harry also wasn’t at voluntary OTAs, which, usually isn’t the worst thing in the world, but if you’re a player who has failed to catch on for three straight seasons now, it’s probably best you show up to get a head start with a new year on the horizon.

It’s gotten to the point where some have speculated Harry could save his job with the Patriots if he moves to tight end. Really? With Hunter Henry already a premier fixture at the position and the need for Jonnu Smith to take the next step after he signed a huge contract last season? Bill Belichick is almost assuredly making no such accommodation for Harry, who’s served as more of a distraction than anything since being drafted.

The problem is that Harry has no trade value and the Patriots hardly save any money by releasing him. But at this point, with a crowded WR room and a need to move on, it might just be best for this to not go on for another season, regardless of the solution.

N’Keal Harry’s absence from Patriots OTAs should simply seal his fate

New England Patriots wide receiver N'Keal Harry was absent from the team's OTAs on Monday and that should just about do it for the wideout.