1 of 3 | Wide receiver N'Keal Harry, who totaled just 33 catches for 309 yards and two scores in 2020 for the New England Patriots, wants to be traded before training camp. File Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI |
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July 7 (UPI) -- Former first-round draft pick N'Keal Harry wants to be traded away from the New England Patriots to get a fresh start with another NFL team, agent Jamal Tooson announced.
Tooson said in a statement Tuesday that he has worked with the Patriots over the last several months to form a plan to allow Harry to "thrive" in New England. He cited Harry's lack of targets and said the 86 looks have not "met the expectations" the Patriots and Harry had for the union when the was selected as a "dominant downfield threat."
Harry joined the franchise out of Arizona State as the No. 32 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He totaled just 309 yards and two scores on 57 catches in 14 games last season.
"Following numerous conversations with the Patriots, I believe it's time for a fresh start and best for both parties if N'Keal moves on before the start of training camp," Tooson said. "That is why I have informed the Patriots [Tuesday] I am formally requesting a trade on behalf of my client.
"N'Keal understands a key ingredient to production is opportunity. He will continue to work hard to develop and refine his craft after missing a large portion of his rookie year to injury. His draft-day expectations for his NFL career have not changed. We are confident success is just around the corner for him and will aggressively pursue it."
Harry caught 12 of 24 targets for 105 yards and two scores in seven games as a rookie. He missed the first nine games of his career due to an ankle injury he sustained in the preseason. Harry also missed two games in 2020 due to a concussion and never became a dominant threat in the Patriots offense.
The Patriots added wide receivers Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne through free agency this off-season. They also acquired tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. Those moves made it unlikely for Harry to see an increased target share in 2021.
Jakobi Meyers, an undrafted free agent signee in 2019, led the Patriots with 729 receiving yards in 14 games in 2020.
The Patriots open training camp July 28 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. They host the Miami Dolphins in their first regular season game at 1 p.m. EDT Sept. 26 in Foxborough.
