3 Former Patriots Struggling With Their New Teams in 2023

It's feeling like nothing can go right with the Patriots this season. The players we have are struggling, and guys like Jakobi Meyers that we let walk are thriving.

But sometimes it's too easy to wallow in the doom and gloom. Some former Pats that we let walk this offseason are looking like the right moves, and it's kinda nice (in an admittedly "wanting someone else to wallow in the doom and gloom with us" kind of way) to see them struggling in their new homes.

So here's a look at three former Patriots who are having a rough showing with their new teams in 2023.

1. Damien Harris, Buffalo Bills

When he took a backseat to Rhamondre Stevenson in 2022, it became clear that despite his 15-touchdown season the year before Damien Harris may not have been in the Patriots' long-term plans.

Still, it was tough to see him sign with a division rival — especially one that has long been looking for the right running back to complement its offensive system. And it looked like Damien Harris may well have been "the right running back."

So far he has not been.

The Bills are consistently among the NFL’s most pass-heavy teams, so it’s not necessarily an immediate red flag that Harris has just 22 carries across his first five games with the club. But it’s more than just the low rushing volume that highlights his struggles.

Harris has barely been involved as a receiver either, with just 2 receptions, giving him an average of just under 5 touches per game.

He’s not even getting on the field much either. His highest single-game offensive snap count is 16, and he’s played fewer than 20% of the available offensive snaps in four of five games.

Harris’ 109 yards from scrimmage rank third among Bills running backs (trailing James Cook and journeyman Latavius Murray), and he’s showing no signs of earning an increased role in the backfield.