Patriots news: N’Keal Harry days numbered; Brandin Cooks rumors cookin’
The New England Patriots have finally made a move at the wide receiver position by trading for DeVante Parker. This must mark the end of the N’Keal Harry experiment, right?
Whether trade or if he is eventually cut, the Arizona State product will likely not suit up in a Patriots’ uniform in 2022. If he does, it would be a major surprise as the former first round pick has literally failed to catch on in a wide receiver hungry offense.
With just 57 receptions for 598 yards and four touchdowns in three seasons, ESPN’s Mike Reiss sees the writing on the wall.
"“This likely means the end of the road for 2019 first-round pick N’Keal Harry, who already had a difficult time breaking through and now faces increased competition,” Reiss wrote."
The New England Patriots have to finally give up on the N’Keal Harry project
While Harry did contribute in 2021 with his run-blocking skills, it’s hard to see him emerging in a group of receivers that now include Parker, Kendrick Bourne, Jakobi Meyers, Nelson Agholor and whatever receivers the team selects in the 2022 NFL Draft.
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Not to mention, there is still a chance the Patriots make another move at the wide receiver position either via free agency with Odell Beckham Jr. still out there or even via trade with names like Brandin Cooks and DK Metcalf picking up steam on the NFL rumor mill.
Unless the Patriots are willing to hold on to Harry as a fifth receiver or attempt trying him at tight end, it is hard to see another season of Harry who every once in while would make a catch that shows why the team drafted him. But, with every catch, there are a string of plays that expose him as a bust.
It’s safe to say N’Keal Harry’s days in New England are numbered.
NFL trade rumors: Patriots should still be in on Brandin Cooks
Speaking of Brandin Cooks, the veteran wide receiver may be on the move yet again.
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According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, there are several teams who have contacted the Houston Texans about Cooks.
"“I was told that the Texans have received multiple calls on Cooks,” Fowler said Sunday on SportsCenter, via Bleacher Report. “That teams have some interest. He’s a classic deep threat that could fit in a lot of offenses. He has a concussion history…a bit of an issue. He’s been traded a lot, but he can always play. He’s traded a lot because he’s very good and he’s very fast.”"
One of those teams that should be calling are the New England Patriots who already know Cooks can fit in the offense. As a team that has already traded for the 28-year-old receiver and traded him, they know his value which could cost a second-round pick.
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Despite adding DeVante Parker, the Patriots should explore the possibility of reuniting with a player who averages over 1,000 yards receiving a season. Adding him to the mix would give Mac Jones a very nice collection of receivers to throw the ball to.
Perhaps for a second-round pick, the Patriots could convince the Texans to take on the contract of Nelson Agholor. Just throwing that out there.