Damien Harris is joining one of the Patriots’ rivals

The New England Patriots and running back Damien Harris have officially parted ways.

But the Patriots won’t have to look too far to find Harris in 2023, as he has joined the AFC East rival Buffalo Bills on a one-year contract. according to multiple reports.

• Buffalo’s move for the 26-year-old Harris comes after what was a four-season run with the Patriots.

  In New England, Harris totaled 2,094 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns on 449 carries. Harris was undoubtedly at this best for the Patriots during the 2021 season, which included career-highs in carries (202), yards (929), and touchdowns (15).

  Battling injuries and ultimately playing second fiddle to Rhamondre Stevenson in 2022, Harris had 106 carries and totaled 462 yards on the ground over 11 games last season.

  The Bills’ move for Harris came in the aftermath of now ex-Bills running back Devin Singletary leaving the franchise for a one-year deal with the Texans.

• 

  ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 01: Damien Harris #37 of the New England Patriots celebrates a touchdown with Jakobi Meyers #16 during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

• Buffalo’s move for Harris is also a shrewd move in the sense that it’s clear case of the Bills swiping both a Patriot and a Patriot who has torched them over the years.

  In the 2021 season, Harris lit Buffalo up for 111 yards and a touchdown on just 10 carries, and followed that up with an 18-touch, 103-yard performance with three scores in their next head-to-head.

• The Buffalo Bills have signed former Patriots running back Damien Harris.
  
  You okay with him going to a division rival?pic.twitter.com/RFbH458zNu

  — Thomas Carrieri (@Thomas_Carrieri) March 21, 2023

• For the Patriots, meanwhile, it’s another homegrown talent departure in an offseason that’s already seen Jakobi Meyers depart for a three-year deal with the Raiders.

  But the Harris departure was certainly less of a shocking one, of course, as the Patriots signed ex-Jaguars running back and undeniable Harris replacement James Robinson last week.

  The addition of Robinson gives the Patriots a four-back running back group, with Stevenson, Robinson, Ty Montgomery, and 2022 draft pick Pierre Strong Jr. all on the roster.