Patriots rumors: N’Keal Harry trade looming; DaeSean Hamilton an option
If N’Keal Harry still finds himself in a New England Patriots uniform in 2022, it would be a very shocking development for a player who just hasn’t lived up to the hype as a former first round pick.
After asking for a trade last offseason, Harry did find a role on the team in 2021 as a run-blocker, but offensively, it was much of the same.
With just 12 catches for 184 yards, it was officially time to call Harry a draft bust, but are teams still seeing some potential there?
NFL teams have shown interest in the New England Patriots wide receiver
According to Pro Football focus’ Doug Kyed, teams “have shown interest” in Harry.
#Patriots WR N’Keal Harry is a name to keep an eye on as a potential trade candidate before the draft, per source. Teams have shown recent interest in the 2019 first-round pick.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) March 10, 2022
Given his size and youth, it is not surprising as NFL teams take chances with former first-round talent. As it is possible the Patriots’ system is just too complex for Harry, a change in scenery or a different system with lower expectations could help Harry reach his potential.
But what is his worth?
At this point, Belichick and the Patriots should be content with receiving a late-round pick for Harry. They could also swap the Arizona State product with another high-round player that hasn’t worked out with his current team. A Harry for Andy Isabella trade could work for both teams as both players would be returning to the state where they had success in college.
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As the wide receiver position will be one of the big questions marks throughout the offseason, it is interesting to see where and if N’Keal Harry fits into the puzzle or if a trade helps them solve a piece of it.
NFL free agency rumors: Patriots have their eye on DaeSean Hamilton
The New England Patriots will either make a splash at the wide receiver position by trading for Amari Cooper or signing a player like Allen Robinson in free agency.
Either of those scenarios would send Pats Nation into a frenzy.
But also, don’t be surprised if the team targets cheaper level players with upside. According to Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal, a player to watch is former Denver Broncos wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton who was released by his team last week.
The 27-year-old Penn State product was a player the Patriots had interest in prior to the 2018 NFL draft, so the team has already done some homework on the wide receiver who didn’t play in 2021 due to a torn ACL.
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In his three seasons with the Broncos, Hamilton caught 81 passes for 833 yards and 5 touchdowns. Not the kind of numbers or production that will wow Patriots fans, but he would be one of those low-risk gambles Bill Belichick likes to make.
At 6-foot-1, 206 pounds, Hamilton does have good size with burst off the line of scrimmage. Entering the draft in 2018, he was projected as a slot target. But it is his ability to add yards after the catch that makes him a player of interest for the Patriots.