N’Keal Harry expected to draw trade interest for low draft pick
The Patriots are expected to have suitors in a potential trade for third-year wide receiver N’Keal Harry, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. At least one league executive estimates that Harry’s cost in a trade would be a “conditional sixth-round pick.”
Additionally, Fowler said Harry is specifically seeking an offense that will utilize him as a “contested catch guy,” and take advantage of his “size and strength in red zone and deep.” Harry has battled injuries over his first two seasons, but his skill set has not translated to the Patriots’ timing and precision-based offense, resulting in just 2.1 catches and 19.7 receiving yards per game. Harry has caught just four touchdowns in 21 total contests.
A sixth-round pick sounds about right if any team is willing to give up draft capital for the 2019 first-rounder, who still has two years left on his rookie deal at salaries of $1.4 million and $1.8 million. The Patriots could also approximate the value of a sixth-round selection if they send a seventh-rounder along with Harry to his new team, in exchange for a fifth.
Bill Belichick has made similar trades in recent years to acquire players, notably cornerback Jason McCourty and defensive lineman Michael Bennett. He’s also used the approach to send players elsewhere, which he did when he sent tackle Marcus Cannon to the Houston Texans earlier in the offseason.
It sounds like other teams around the league would at least be interested in swapping picks in order to bring Harry aboard, and try to get more out of him than the Patriots ever did.
MORE: What Would a N’Keal Harry Trade Look Like?
Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster 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? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at [email protected].
