New England Patriots running back Damien Harris has been an early-down workhorse with 1,897 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns in his first four seasons of his career. Harris was selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL draft, but he has yet to turn into the three-down versatile back that is becoming increasingly more common as each year passes.
Harris, 25, is an incredible goal line back, but he’s in the last year of his rookie deal and is set to hit the open market at a young age with plenty of suitors. The Patriots, on the other hand, have Rhamondre Stevenson, who has been dipping into Harris’ share of touches since 2021, and by the look of things, he may have finally overtaken the former Alabama standout as the lead back, thanks to his pass-catching ability.
Stevenson has 25 catches on the season, which is second behind Jakobi Meyers for the team lead.
Although the Patriots could be in line for a compensatory pick, if Harris leaves, that pick will not kick in until 2024 and is contingent on the level of talent New England brings in to replace talent lost. As the Patriots are projected to have decent cap space to make additions, with room to create more space, the compensatory selection may never find the light of day for Harris.
The Patriots may not re-sign Harris, as the only backs who get second contracts in New England are the ones who can also catch passes. And Stevenson does exactly that.
Harris is good enough to warrant a long-term contract, but in New England, I have the utmost faith they can draft and develop the next guy, like they have done for years at the running back position. If the Patriots are looking to move Harris for something, they must do so by the November 1 NFL trade deadline.
