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New England Patriots rumors: 3 49ers to target in 2022 NFL free agency

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

INGLEWOOD, CA - JANUARY 30: Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers fires up the team on the field before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on January 30, 2022 in Inglewood, California. The Rams defeated the 49ers 20-17. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CA - JANUARY 30: Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers fires up the team on the field before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on January 30, 2022 in Inglewood, California. The Rams defeated the 49ers 20-17. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Marcell Harris (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Why the New England Patriots should target S/LB Marcell Harris

Starting with the New England Patriots secondary, the team may have a great need at cornerback depending on what happens with J.C. Jackson, but depth at the safety position is also something Bill Belichick will be looking at as NFL free agency begins.

While Devin McCourty has hinted at a return in 2022, the team still needs to add depth and get a little younger at the position.  The team currently have Adrian Phillips, Kyle Duggar and Joshuah Bledsoe under contract so even if McCourty returns for another season, adding a versatile type of safety doesn’t hurt.

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A pending free agent that fits that bill is San Francisco 49ers safety Marcell Harris who has played that safety/linebacker hybrid role Belichick loves.  At 6-0, 215 pounds, the 27-year-old Harris is just hitting his prime.  In starting 20 games in his four-year career with the 49ers, Harris would come with experience and a physicality the Patriots need at the safety position.

What really makes Harris intriguing is that he can play at the linebacker position, which he mostly did in 2021.  With a sack and 37 combined tackles last season, Harris has shown to be a value find for the 49ers and a player Belichick can see some value in, especially as a defensive playmaker who will do whatever he is asked to do.

In all, Harris gives that Patrick Chung vibe and would be another player who can do with Phillips and Duggar do within the defensive scheme.

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