The New England Patriots have been decimated by injuries this season, and running back has been no exception. Treveyon Henderson is out indefinitely due to neurological problems, and Rhamondre Stevenson was injured in Sunday’s loss to the Green Bay Packers.
It is clear that the Patriots need another back not only in the short term due to injuries, but they could also use one for the second half of the season (ESPECIALLY if they sneak into the playoffs). One of the top free-agent running backs is Najee Harris, who was mentioned as a potential fit in New England by Bleacher Report's Moe Moton, and I completely agree. He would make an immediate impact in the absence of Stevenson and Henderson, and he would be a great rotational back when they return from injury.
Najee Harris still has some juice
Harris was released by the New York Giants in October, but I do believe he can still be a good player in this league. Mike Vrabel is known for getting the best out of his players, so New England could be the perfect landing spot for Harris. He has the size to be a great downhill runner, and still has some shiftiness to his game, which could be a great complement to the other backs. If he can come in and split carries with Corey Kiner until Stevenson and Henderson come back, it would be ideal for the Patriots as well as Harris. It would be his opportunity to be a feature back again, and his opportunity to be a big part of a team that has a real chance of making the playoffs.
Now picture a fully healthy backfield of Stevenson, Henderson, and Harris. This would take a lot of pressure off of Drake Maye and give him the opportunity to rely more on his run game instead of having to constantly put the team on his back.
It likely wouldn't take much to bring Najee Harris in
After being released by the Giants, Harris still hasn’t signed with another team. This makes it clear that he doesn’t have much of a market, meaning the Patriots could probably get him at a bargain.
A team-friendly deal for a running back that could turn into a huge contributor in the back half of the season would be incredible for New England. The Patriots have spent a lot of money improving the roster in recent years, so getting a back of Harris’ caliber without dealing out another massive contract would also be very appealing to the front office.
In my opinion, I would at least bring Harris in for a workout to see what he has left in the tank and what type of shape he is in. This Patriots team is in no position to turn away talent after how hard they have been hit by injuries.
What could the Patriots offense look like with Najee Harris?
Harris at his peak was an absolute menace in the backfield and was a true RB1 (he had four consecutive 1000-yard seasons to begin his NFL career). Recently, it looks like he may have lost a step. However, he may just need a scheme and role that fit him better.
Sharing the backfield with Stevenson could be just what he needs instead of asking him to come in and be the player he was during his college days at Alabama. At 6’1, 242 lbs, Harris still has the size to potentially be a great goal-line back. Imagine being on the 2-yard line, bringing in a jumbo personnel with an extra offensive lineman, and Harris is lining up in the backfield… Good luck stopping that.
A bruiser of that size as your second or third running back who mainly plays in specific packages would be exactly what Harris would thrive in. If the Patriots have the opportunity to bring in Harris, I think he could be a key contributor for the rest of the season and potentially the playoffs.
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