N’Keal Harry isn’t doing himself, or the New England Patriots, any favors right now by requesting a trade after two unfulfilling and lackluster seasons in Foxboro.
Disappointment seems to have been the trend from Day 1 in this relationship. Harry was hurt, then didn’t play. Then played, flashed at times, but largely was a non-factor except when making mistakes. And now Harry, through his agent, is calling for a fresh start. Though I’m not sure exactly what another team would want to pay for a distressed asset like this, who doesn’t have much statistically to warrant in return.
Numbers never lie, and in Harry’s case, the story they tell is downright scary. So why would anyone give up much of anything for him in return?
I get it. Harry was a stud in college, though exactly how he produced so much might be a bit convoluted. He likely believes he wasn’t utilized properly and now this first-round selection has fallen down the depth chart behind an undrafted free agent from his same draft class. Not a great look, but neither is saying, “I wanna play somewhere else.”
Now what? You know the team is not and has not been pleased with his output. He’s obviously frustrated. And the fans, well, they seem pretty ready to move on, too. So how to handle this messy marriage? While I’m usually a proponent of not forcing a relationship that’s not working, in this case the answer is simple: instead of asking out, go all-in.
If Harry were serious about an impressive or even impactful pro football career he would show up in the best shape of his life, with a Mac Jones-esque mastery of the playbook, demonstrating on the field that he demands more reps, more attention and more opportunities. Show out, don’t ask if you can be shown out.
While the Patriots invested heavily at both tight end and receiver this offseason, and ascending talents like Jakobi Meyers are primed for attention, this is a perfect opportunity. When nobody is expecting anything out of Harry for him to turn heads and open some eyes. Force the team to call your number. Make the QBs look for you, especially in those contested catch situations he supposedly was so good at in college. Make the fans use the eyeball or fire emoji when tweeting about you not the SMH or crying face emoji or the slouching Cam GIF.
Harry, instead of taking the advice of his representation and trying to force his way out of town, should be taking the advice of Michael Irvin, forcing his way back onto the field and into the game plan.
Expectations couldn’t be lower for Harry on the Patriots right now. Harry and his reps know that he’s not long for this team, as in not likely playing a fourth year for the Pats, let alone having his fifth-year option picked up, or getting a new deal. Anywhere he’s dealt now will be a situation where he’ll be auditioning for a roster spot, perhaps a fifth receiver spot, at best. Which is exactly why he should use this camp, and potentially this season, with new teammates and renewed team-wide confidence that they can compete in the AFC East, as a chance to turn those low expectations into high praise. Forget the injuries, the dropped passes, holding calls and even blown calls. No excuses, just do your job and do it better than you ever have before.
Basically, the best way for Harry to move on from the Patriots? Do it The Patriot Way this year.