Bill Belichick gives candid update on relationship with Patriots WR N’Keal Harry
Bill Belichick and N’Keal Harry seem to have gotten back on the same page.
The agent for the Patriots third-year wide receiver publicly requested a trade before the start of training camp, but Harry showed up and practiced anyway. Until Harry and Belichick spoke for the first time about the situation, it was a curious case of a beleaguered player possibly on the way out.
Belichick addressed Harry’s status during a video conference Monday morning, and without getting into details, sounded like the two hashed out whatever differences existed.
“N’Keal and I have talked about it and we had a good conversation,” Belichick said. “We have a good relationship. So, I’m not going to get into all of that.”
One area that Harry needed to show improvement from his first two seasons was pure availability. He’s been on the practice field every day since camp began. Belichick noted Harry’s perfect attendance as part of his day-to-day improvement as camp goes on.
“I think N’Keal, like really all the other players out there, are working hard,” Belichick said. “They’re improving better than we were on Wednesday, which is a good thing. We just need to keep the arrow pointing up and stay on the field and continue to progress from a scheme standpoint as we do more things and from a fundamental technique standpoint for each individual player at his position. That’s really the time of year we are at now. N’Keal is in good condition. He’s working hard, just keep taking it day by day and as the competition unfolds, see how things stack up everywhere, not just with him but all the way across the board so it’s the same with everybody.”
Harry himself spoke to reporters for the first time since his trade request on Friday, the third day of training camp, and was asked multiple times about his agent’s comments.
“Right now, I’m really not worried about anything trade-wise,” Harry said. “I’m focused on how to be the best version of myself … working hard and improving every day.
“I’m a Patriot right now. I’m very okay with being a Patriot.”
If anything, the trade request got Belichick’s attention. Now it’s Harry’s turn to catch the attention of his head coach.
Because with Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne in the fold and performing well at camp, and Jakobi Meyers and Gunner Olszewski all but guaranteed a role on the team, Harry’s roster spot in New England isn’t necessarily secure.
MORE: N’Keal Harry speaks for first time since trade request
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].
