Patriots reportedly hosting free-agent WRs Bruce Ellington, Maurice Harris for visits
Nov 18, 2018; Detroit, MI: Detroit Lions wide receiver Bruce Ellington during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field. (Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports)
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Patriots are hosting a pair of wide receivers on the second day of NFL free agency. Former #Redskins WR Maurice Harris is visiting the #Patriots today, source says. Had 28 catches for Washington last year but was not tendered as an RFA. As the Patriots mine for depth at WR, they are hosting both Bruce Ellington and Maurice Harris today, per source. Ellington had 23 catches in 4 games for the Lions last season, while Harris had 28 for the Redskins.
The latter was pegged as a potential free agency option for Bill Belichick due to his skill set and potential for value on a low-cost signing. Ellington, 27, played for both the Lions and Texans in 2018 and made a combined 31 catches for 224 yards and a touchdown. Primarily a slot receiver, Ellington has been praised for his work ethic and intelligence but has struggled with hamstring and back injuries in recent years. If he can stay healthy, he’d have the potential to be a great fit in the Pats offense.
Harris, meanwhile, became an unrestricted free agent after the Redskins declined to extend a qualifying offer to him. He has more size at 6-foot-3, but has experience playing in the slot as well. His best game last season came in Week 9 against the Falcons, when he caught 10 of 12 targets for 124 yards.
Dec 16, 2018; Jacksonville, FL: Washington Redskins wide receiver Maurice Harris works out prior to the game at TIAA Bank Field. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)
Ellington seems like more of a Patriots-type signing at this point. The one question mark with him, and it’s a big one, is health and durability. But he has at least some idea of how the Patriots’ system would work and he’s the kind of receiver that plays to Tom Brady’s strengths.
The Patriots’ plans for free agency continue to come into focus. Reports suggest that they’re shopping in the bargain bin, but are also eyeing more expensive options like Cook. You can follow the latest free agent moves with the Sports Hub’s official rankings and free agent tracker.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
