Patriots Trade Rumors: N'Keal Harry Move Being Gauged by Interested Teams

Opposing teams have contacted the New England Patriots about a possible trade for wide receiver N'Keal Harry, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

A first-round pick in 2019, Harry has caught 45 passes for 414 yards and four touchdowns in 21 games.

By trading him now, there's almost no way the Patriots would recoup the first-rounder they used on Harry. Because of that, allowing him to have another season in New England could work to the team's benefit.

The 23-year-old battled ankle and hip injuries as a rookie, which stunted his development. In 2020, the offense wasn't the same after Cam Newton returned from a midseason COVID-19-related absence, with Newton admitting his performance suffered in the aftermath of his diagnosis.

Perhaps Harry's struggles speak to wider problems for the Patriots since they have been consistently unable to land a young, explosive pass-catcher to pair with Julian Edelman.

Theoretically, Harry should be that player. He's 6'4", averaged 13.6 yards per reception at Arizona State and ran a 4.53-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. Those traits are presumably why there's outside interest in his services.

Harry would probably benefit from a move given the questions at quarterback for the Patriots. However, Bill Belichick may not be ready to give up on him.