Patriots Free Agency Buzz: A pledge to re-sign Damien Harris

The 2022 NFL season was an important one for Damien Harris. With Rhamondre Stevenson breaking out as the New England Patriots featured back, the Alabama product would have to show his lead back ability or accept a supporting role.

Well, due mostly to injury, Harris played the supporting role as Stevenson shined.  In a contract year, it wasn’t ideal, but Harris did show the toughness and power running that other NFL teams may look at and take a chance on, especially in looking at what he did in 2021 with 929 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns.

As a model Patriots player on the field and in the locker room, Harris has that “Do Your Job” mentality Bill Belichick loves, but will he be too expensive in free agency to bring back?

New England Patriots should be interested in bringing back Damien Harris

There will be teams out there willing to cash out the dough for a dual threat running back like Harris.  But will many teams be hesitant to shell out a big contract for a player with a history of not being able to stay on the field?  With the emergence of Stevenson, the New England Patriots won’t be one of the teams willing to give Harris a big contract, but they should be a team willing to sign him at their rate.

Coming off a season in which he took a step back rushing for just 462 yards with 3 touchdowns, Harris may have a decision to make. Take less money to stay in a situation he is familiar with or take his chances with another team.  If it was up to Harris, he would be back in New England, but he understands the business of the game.

"“If they want to have me, I’d love to come back,” Harris said back in January.  “But at the end of the day, I know this is a business.  I know that this organization is going to do what they feel is best for them, and at the end of the day, I’ve got to do what I feel like is best for me.“We’ll see what happens.  I’m not really worried about that right. Now.  Just trying to enjoy this last opportunity to be with my teammates this year, and whatever happens next year, happens next year.”"

There hasn’t been a lot of buzz surrounding Harris in free agency.  An AFC East rival like the Buffalo Bills could be an ideal opportunity for Harris, but if the Patriots really want him back and is willing to give him a respectable contract both sides should absolutely accept that.

Although the Patriots have a couple of younger running backs in Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong Jr. who could step into that role in 2023, the combination of Stevenson and Harris would be fascinating, especially if Damien Harris could stay healthy.

The team also needs to keep Stevenson as fresh as possible.  In 2022, the Oklahoma product played a ton of snaps as he became the team’s do everything back.  The Patriots need to make sure they have a suitable backup if anything were to happen to Stevenson.  In my opinion, Harris would be that security blanket so if there is any way they can bring him back on decent money, they should absolutely do so.

While it wouldn’t be shattering if Harris walked, there is an opportunity for the Patriots to really strengthen their offensive approach by securing their running back depth.  Re-signing Harris to even a one-year prove it type deal would be beneficial to the team and the player.