Patriots: Five Free Agent WR Targets After Edelman Injury

Chris Harper

Oct 18, 2014; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears wide receiver Chris Harper (6) makes a one-handed touchdown catch over UCLA Bruins defensive back Ishmael Adams (1) in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The last player on this list may kind of be cheating as he is not a free agent, but the Patriots would have to call him up from the practice squad, so it kind of count. Probably more likely than any free agent addition is the Patriots calling practice squad wide receiver Chris Harper up to the active roster.

Harper joined the Patriots as an undrafted free agent out of Cal this season. Harper came into camp and quickly impressed the coaching staff, showing obvious athleticism and nice big-play ability.

He made some noise during the preseason, earning himself a spot on the Patriots’ active roster to open the season. He was active for their first game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but was released by the team the next week. Harper passed through waivers and was placed on the Patriots’ practice squad, which is where he has been ever since.

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He has practiced with the team all year, so it is safe to say he has a least some kind of handle on the playbook. Plus, he has impressed the coaching staff before, so they clearly think there is something there. Bringing Harper back up to the active roster may just be the safe play, but he is a talented player who could legitimately step in and make an impact.

The safe play is not necessarily the wrong play, as there is certainly some upside with Harper here.