Patriots signing of free agent RB means Damien Harris is out

Over the past few weeks, the emphasis for the Patriots to re-sign Jakobi Meyers was solid and understandable, considering the need to improve the receiving corps. But Damien Harris’ status with the team seemed to get lost in the shuffle, with many forgetting the young running back was set to hit free agency on Wednesday.

Details about New England’s talks with Meyers were continuously updated online, yet nothing has been said if those same conversations were had with Harris.

Of course, it’s no secret that most teams treat running backs like a revolving door and generally will not pay them top dollar when the time comes. Still, Harris’ success with the Patriots and his relationship with Mac Jones made his lack of acknowledgment a bit surprising.

Then the news of New England’s signing of running back James Robinson dominated the Twitter-sphere on Wednesday evening, seemingly reminding people that Harris was among the players they could have re-signed.

Since we have yet to hear any updates about Harris’ stance with the team and now Robinson’s signing, it’s clear Bill Belichick is moving on from the once RB1 in Foxboro, allowing him to sign elsewhere in the league.

But is it the right move?

Through his four years with the Patriots, Harris struggled to remain healthy for an entire season, only coming close in 2021 when he played in 15 of the 16 games. In that time, he totaled 449 carries for 2,094 yards and 20 touchdowns through 38 games. He also added 40 receptions for 281 yards, most of which came over the last two seasons.

Since James White’s retirement before last season, Belichick was looking to get the running backs more involved in the passing game, as that has been an essential aspect of their offensive attack over the years. Unfortunately for Harris, he wasn’t able to be super successful in that area when given the chance, opening the door for Rhamondre Stevenson to step into that dual-threat role.

The second-year back began to show signs that he could easily become the RB1 during last summer’s training camp, and in Harris’ absence in six games last season, he proved he could do that and more. He made strides in the passing game during his rookie season with 14 receptions for 123 yards but turned that up to 69 receptions in 2022 for 421 yards and a touchdown, seemingly inadvertently ending Harris’ time in Foxboro.

Because Belichick loves a versatile player, it’s likely the explanation why James Robinson was signed. He adds quality depth to the running back room and brings the pass-catching traits that Harris has lacked.

The good news for Harris, though? He is one of the top running backs still available for teams to sign. So although it may appear over in New England, he can still be incredibly successful with another team for years to come.