NFL announces joint practices - Who your team is playing and why
After practicing against your own same players throughout OTAs and training camp, it is a great opportunity to move through different plays, schemes against foreign opponents.
Not all 32 teams are participating in joint practices though. Only 21 teams are will involve themselves with another organization.
Joint practices aren’t a new phenomenon in the NFL. They essentially act as an opportunity for teams and players to go through scrimmages against different personnel.
After practicing against your own same players throughout OTAs and training camp, it is a great opportunity to move through different plays, schemes against foreign opponents.
Not all 32 teams are participating in joint practices though. Only 21 teams are will involve themselves with another organization.
New Orleans and Jacksonville were set to meet in Louisiana on August 20, but since the release of the schedule both teams have confirmed otherwise.
Teams NOT involved in joint practices this offseason:
Arizona Cardinals
Buffalo Bills
Cincinnati Bengals
Detroit Lions
Houston Texans
Jacksonville Jaguars
Kansas City Chiefs
New Orleans Saints
Pittsburgh Steelers
Seattle Seahawks
Washington Football Team
Some teams will engage in two bouts of joint practices; the Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, and both the New York clubs (Jets and Giants).
Arguably, the most famous joint practice moment of recent memory involved then-Houston’s DeAndre Hopkins and Washington’s DeAngelo Hall getting into it. Things got interesting, real quick…
Thankfully for DB’s everywhere their ankles won’t be tested by D-Hop until preseason at the earliest.
Full list of this year’s joint practices:
Courtesy of NFL Communications
Ryan Fitzpatrick believes Washington is the best situation he’s had
“Physically, I feel great, mentally, emotionally. I’m in the right spot. I just think I am set up for success this year and really looking forward to it.”
New Washington Football Team quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has endeared himself to his new team and fans alike after stating his new team may be his best situation yet.
“This is the best situation I’ve ever been in or the best situation that I’ve ever gone into as the guy,” Fitzpatrick said on the ESPN Daily podcast.
“I signed to be the starter in Houston. I signed to be the starter in Miami, so this is now the third team that I’ve signed to come in and be the starter for.
“I just feel like the way that I’m playing the last four years, kind of the progression of my career, it doesn’t really make a whole lot of sense that 17 years in, physically, I feel great, mentally, emotionally. I’m in the right spot. I just think I am set up for success this year and really looking forward to it.”
Fitzpatrick, now 38 years young, has played for 8 teams — excluding Washington — for context, that’s 25% of the league!
Despite father time closing in, Fitzmagic is still feeling it and is ready to rock out in the nation’s capital.
He is embracing whatever time he has left playing the game he (almost always) loves.
“The other major point in my career when there was a transition was after my year in 2016 with the Jets, which was miserable and the first time in my life I hated football and just didn’t want to play anymore,” Fitzpatrick said. “Since then, it’s almost like I’ve been playing on borrowed time. The last four, I’ve really been able to enjoy. Hopefully everybody has been able to see that for me on the field, from some of the goofy stuff and the interviews. My personality has really come out the last four.”
According to the latest Fanduel odds, Fitzmagic and WFT are second favorite to clinch the NFC East (+270), trailing only Dak Prescott and his Dallas Cowboys (+105).
Packers record big financial loss in 2020
The NFL’s smallest market announced on Friday they lost $38.8 million over the last fiscal year, which ended on March, 31.
Like many NFL franchises the Green Bay Packers were hit hard from the moment COVID spread across America. The NFL’s smallest market announced on Friday they lost $38.8 million over the last fiscal year, which ended on March, 31.
“It was the first time we haven’t had a profit in over 20 years,” Murphy revealed, via Bill Huber of SI.com.
For context, the Packers most recent operating previous was prior to its Lambeau’s renovation in 2003.
As is well known, most teams, 13 to be precise, played without a single fan last season. Unsurprisingly, the league leader in attendance was the Dallas Cowboys with an average of 28,187 packed in to AT&T Stadium at their home games.
Green Bay disclosed a $371.1 million earning in total revenue, naturally well down on its record-setting $506.9 million from the 2020 fiscal year.
“COVID obviously impacted the Packers from a financial perspective,” Murphy said.
“Our local revenue was significantly impacted. Still, we really feel that we remain in a strong financial position going forward and that we will continue to be able to provide the resources for the organization to be successful both on and off the field. As we all faced health and economic challenges with the pandemic, we really feel we emerged in a very good financial position.”
It wasn’t all bad news for the Pack, and NFL more broadly, with teams splitting a $9.894 billion national revenue share. Up $42 million from the previous season. You can thank the expanded playoffs.
“It’s a real credit to the league that we were able to play a full slate of regular-season games and postseason games,” Murphy said.
“It was really crucial. We knew if we were able to get all the games broadcast that would cover all of our player expenses.”
The stage is set for a $10+ billion total for the 2021 fiscal year (began April 1) with the introduction of a 17-game regular season.
Watch: Ted Ginn announces retirement - best plays of his career
Ginn, 36, played for six teams (Miami, San Francisco, Carolina, Arizona, New Orleans and Chicago) across a stellar 14-year career after being drafted 9th overall to Miami in the 2007 NFL draft.
Punters and kickers can sleep a little easier tonight now that specialist sensation Ted Ginn has announced his retirement.
Ginn, 36, played for six teams (Miami, San Francisco, Carolina, Arizona, New Orleans and Chicago) across a stellar 14-year career after being drafted 9th overall to Miami in the 2007 NFL draft.
Ted Ginn stats:
412 catches for 5,742 receiving yards and 33 touchdowns
262 punt returns for 2,624 yards and 4 TDs
307 kickoff returns for 6,899 yards and 3 TDs.
15,749 career all-purpose yards — 4th in the NFL since 2007, behind Adrian Peterson, Frank Gore and Darren Sproles.
Oh, and a special treat for those who remember GInn from his Ohio State days…what a phenom.
Richard Sherman apologizes following arrest
Former Seahawks and 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman has apologized following his arrest for drinking under the influence and attempting to break-and-enter his father-in-law’s home on Tuesday night.
Sherman issued a statement this morning; “I am deeply remorseful for my actions on Tuesday night. I behaved in a manner I am not proud of,” he wrote.
“I have been dealing with some personal challenges over the last several months, but that is not an excuse for how I acted. The importance of mental and emotional health is extremely real and I vow to get the help I need.
“I appreciate all of the people who have reached out in support of me and my family, including our community here in Seattle. I am grateful to have such an amazing wife, family and support system to lean on during this time.”
Video of Sherman attempting to force his way into his wife’s father’s residence was leaked, along with a disturbing 9-1-1 call, prompting many of Sherm’s NFL brethren to offer their support and prayers.
The Stanford grad was released without bail on Thursday with the Washington judge citing his previously unblemished record and work within his community.
The 5x Pro Bowl, Super Bowl winning corner is still an unrestricted free agent. Regardless of whether Sherman and his flowing dreadlocks return to NFL Sundays, everyone at The Worldwide Quarterback wishes him a speedy recovery and continued happiness.
“I’m ready to play ball” - Adrian Peterson wants year 15 in NFL
Despite accomplishing so much throughout his decorated NFL career, Adrian Peterson isn’t done wrecking opposition defenses yet — well, according to him anyway.
Peterson may not be the force he once was but All Day believes teams will be interested in him soon enough.
"The training is going well and I'm going to control the things that I can control right now, and, when that time comes, somebody will give me a call," Peterson said, via Aaron Wilson of SportsTalk 790.
“That’s all I’m asking for. My body feels good. I came out healthy from last season. My body feels strong. I still feel young. I still feel good. I’m ready to play ball.”
AP knows what he’s got plenty left in the tank and has his sights set on getting at least another 450 yards to break Barry Sanders’ rushing total. The feat would move Peterson up one spot to third on the NFL’s all-time rushing yards list.
"Yeah, I've been chasing it for a long time. It would be nice to finally get one."
Peterson has still managed to cause havoc in later years, rushing 156 times for 604 yards and seven touchdowns with Detroit last season.
NFL invests $4 million into hamstring injury research
The NFL continues to invest into player welfare and safety, further evidenced in their commitment to new medical research in the hope of improving the health of its stars.
In a memo released to media this week, the league announced funding of a $4 million research project into the prevention and treatment of hamstring injuries.
The study — led by researchers at the University of Wisconsin — focuses on elite football players and the second-most restrictive injury among NFL players.
Almost 75% of hamstring injuries result in NFL players sitting on the sidelines for extended periods. The league hopes the study will allow players and teams to mitigate the frequency and severity of the dreaded hammy injury.
What will the research involve?
Quantitative imaging
On-field biomechanics assessment
Computational analytics to determine risk factors associated with initial and recurring hamstring injuries
Develop data-driven approaches to help individualize risk assessment
"To truly understand and reduce hamstring injury risk requires a study of an unprecedented size and scope,” said Dr. Bryan Heiderscheit, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“Our multi-disciplinary team of researchers can now undertake an innovative, data-driven approach to this study, and assist sports medicine clinicians in advancing strategies for injury prevention and interventions to return athletes to sport quickly and with reduced risk for re-injury."
Who will play under the franchise tag in 2021?
The NFL list of franchise tagged players is relatively short this season. Only six players will go through the 2021-22 NFL season under the conditions of the tag.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams and Broncos safety Justin Simmons were all tagged and looked likely to remain that way until they agreed new deals with their respective teams.
Carolina right tackle Taylor Moton was similarly fortunate after agreeing a four-year, $72 million deal with the Panthers just before today’s deadline.
The unlucky six on this season’s franchise tag are:
Chris Godwin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR)
Allen Robinson (Chicago Bears WR)
Marcus Maye (New York Jets S)
Marcus Williams (New Orleans Saints S)
Cam Robinson (Jacksonville Jaguars T)
Brandon Scherff (Washington Football Team G)
Richard Sherman released from jail
A Washington judge has ordered Super Bowl winning free-agent, Richard Sherman’s release from custody following a hearing regarding domestic violence burglary charges.
King County District Court Judge Fa'amomoi Masaniai recognized Sherman’s impeccable record within the community and clean record thus far in life.
“I see Mr. Sherman is a pillar in this community, he’s a business owner, he’s a husband, he’s a father,” Judge Masaniai said. “I’m gonna release Mr. Sherman.”
And that’s exactly what she did. The former 49er and Seahawk was released without bail, despite prosecutors requesting a $10,000 guarantee.
Despite his release, Sherman still faces separate charges for a hit and run, and driving under the influence.
‘People forget who you are and what you’ve done’ - Cam Newton ready to be great again
New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton isn’t letting the naysayers affect him ahead of his second season in Foxboro.
Bill Belichick turned the heat up on the former MVP by drafting Alabama quarterback Mac Jones with the 15th pick in this year’s draft. Despite all signs pointing to Jones being the future of the franchise, Newton isn’t letting it determine his success this season.
Speaking to ESPN’s Keyshawn, JWill, and Zubin earlier today, Cam revealed how he’s feeling ahead of the Pats’ 2021 campaign.
“I know who I am,” Newton said.
“At times, I do remind myself people forget who you are, and what you’ve done. So now I’m in a position where I need to be my best self. It’s really put-up or shut-up time.”
Belichick and Newton have often spoke of their admiration for one another and New England insiders have said their relationship is solid. However, Cam knows he needs to be much more to remain in the GOAT’s good books.
“[My] time there has been everything I could have asked for,” he said. “I guess it’s now time for me to uphold my end of the bargain, through and through.”
Cam recently published a video on his YouTube channel stating this was the first time he had been fully healthy in over four years.
Newton will be hoping to improve upon the 2,657 passing yards, eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions from last season. If he can — in addition — repeat his 12 rushing TDs, New England should be a threat to all in the AFC.
LeSean McCoy open to another super bowl tilt before retirement
Fresh off a second Super Bowl ring in two years, LeSean McCoy is hungry to make it a three-peat.
The former Eagle won’t be with Tom Brady and Tampa Bay this season and have one last run at the Lombardi Trophy.
What will a team get in the 33-year-old running back? “A veteran that wants to win, knows how to win and how to be a great teammate and leader,” McCoy said when speaking to NFL Network on Tuesday.
There were thoughts, about hanging up the cleats, McCoy admits, though teams’ interest in his services has relit the fire.
I was contemplating retirement. I’ve had some teams reach out. I think right now it’s just all about being in shape, being ready for the call and also the right road, the right fit,” he said.
“I want to go to a team where I can compete. I want to go to a team where I can contribute and make a playoff, hopefully championship run.That’s the biggest thing, I think from winning two championships it’s hard to go to a team where you don’t see anything happening.
“That’s something that I think about winding my career down and I’m about to finish out. I want to go somewhere so I can have some fun and win.”
We also can’t mention LeSean McCoy without throwing to this incredible story from his days with the Buffalo Bills…
How Larry Fitzgerald & Patrick peterson Bore a leader in Cardinals’ D.J. Humphries
When Cardinals’ tackle D.J. Humpries arrived at practice this offseason and something was different. Not different in a good way either. There was a big hole in Arizona and it wasn’t another canyon.
Two of Arizona’s most loyal servants; Patrick Peterson and Larry Fitzgerald were gone, perhaps never to return. Peterson signed with the Minnesota Vikings during free agency, while Larry Fitz weighs up whether he wants to put his body through another year of pro football.
Something, or someone had to fill the void, so Humphries put his 6’5”, 307lb frame to use.
“I haven’t been to a practice in my NFL career before minicamp where I didn’t see Patrick or Larry,” Humphries said in a recent interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio.
“So that was something for me that kind of took me back a little bit when I went out there, because I’m used to those guys. I always felt like I was practicing to prove something to those guys and make those guys proud of me because those are my OGs, those are guys that have been here since I’ve been here.”
In his seventh season, Humphries knew he needed to give more of himself to push the Cardinals further.
“I had to shift my mindset to be an example instead of trying to impress my OGs in the way that I move and the way that I practice, how I handle myself. It was more so I had to set an example now for the younger cats that’s coming up and watching me. Because when that happened, I didn’t realize how many people were watching me leading up to that, before those guys left. And now that they’re gone, it’s even more magnified.
“So it’s like I have to step into a certain light where I can’t have any downs or slips, I’ve got to do everything right every day, every second. Everything has to be done [right] — every rep’s gotta be game reps because guys are watching and I know that.”
The additions of experienced Pro-Bowlers J.J. Watt and Malcolm Butler will help steady the defense, while the offense can caught on Humphries to help Kyler Murray and company flourish in the desert.
Terry McLaurin - WFT receivers are ready to flourish after new additions
There’s a reason he’s called Scary Terry.
McLaurin was Washington’s undisputed #1 receiver last season, establishing himself as one of the best pass-catchers in the NFC East. With the addition of free-agent wideouts Curtis Samuel and Adam Humphries this offseason, Scary Terry should be left in single coverage far more often…frightening indeed.
“I just think it’s going to open it up, for me personally, down the field, intermediate and short,” McLaurin said, via the WFT website. “But also, it’s gonna allow other guys to make some plays. . . . Most top receivers have another guy or another two guys outside of them and that helps everybody.”
Head Coach Ron Rivera delivered new quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and his receiver group another gift via the draft, adding North Carolina stud Dyami Brown.
One thing is for sure, the Football Team will be a terrifying prospect on offense with burners on the outside with a little bit of Fitzmagic sprinkled in.
Devonta Smith hoping to recapture old magic with jalen hurts
Former Alabama duo Devonta Smith and Jalen Hurts were reunited after the Eagles traded with division rival Dallas to swoop on Smith with the 10th Pick in this year’s NFL draft.
Smith’s selection has brought newfound optimism to Philly after a shaky offseason which included the firing of Super Bowl winning Head Coach Doug Pederson and the hiring of first-time HC, Nick Sirianni.
Prior to the commencement of OTAs, Smith downplayed the symmetry between he and Hurts.
“Just because we had that connection in college doesn’t mean that it’s the same now,” Smith told Philadelphia reporters.
Now though, his tune has changed. Addressing media at a recent football camp, Alabama’s Heisman Winner hinted there may be some magic left.
“It’s great to have that connection come back,” Smith remarked, via John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia. “It just feels like old times. Like back in college.”
If Smith — let alone Hurts — can produce anywhere near his numbers under Nick Saban, Philly won’t have to wait too long to restore the house that Doug built.
The comeback is Von - Miller ‘whooping’ ass ahead of return
Denver Broncos legend Von Miller has been somewhat of a forgotten figure in league circles. Though all of that is about to change, as the devastating linebacker readies for his return. Some even say Von is back to his terrifying best.
Speaking to Denver media on Friday, Broncos kicker — and good friend of Miller — Brandon McManus shared just how scary No. 58 is looking ahead of the 2021 NFL season.
“He's been training for two years now, unfortunately last year with him getting hurt, training his butt off out there in California, and he's never looked any better,” McManus said.
“Him and I talk. We joke about–obviously everyone doubts his age and stuff like that. I think the first week he made a comment on how he's still whooping all these people's butts. They were 22, 23 years old. That's just who he is.”
McManus believes Miller’s mindset is key of his undeniable greatness, not too different to another of Colorado’s favorite sons.
“Just similar to Peyton [Manning]–whatever these guys put their minds to, they're able to accomplish. That's just the kind of competitors that they are and the athletes that they are. So I don't see anything slowing him down personally. I'm excited to watch him finally, for two years now, to get back out there and dominate like he did before.
“For the defense and the team as well, it's a huge mood boost to have somebody, the franchise sack leader, on the field with you and the way he's able to disrupt and help Bradley [Chubb] on the other side and help everybody on the field because similar as you know from our 2015 year, we had an incredible pass rush which means that our corners and safeties get to sit a little earlier because they don't have to cover for so long and it creates a lot of opportunities which turns into our [offensive] opportunities.”
McManus also lifted the lid on Von’s magnetic personality and how it effects teammates inside the Broncos’ Englewood facility.
“He's just a huge asset to have on the team, both physically and in the locker room,” McManus said of Miller.
“He's kind of like a glue. A lot of guys will come, and they'll get stuck to him. He has an infectious personality; it's fun. He loves to work, as you guys know.”
If Miller takes part in Denver’s first preseason game — as expected — on August 14, it will be his first steps on the gridiron since December 12, 2019 where the Broncos defeated the then-Oakland Raiders.
Buckle up AFC, the Vonster is coming for your quarterback.
‘Grinding my tail off’ - Tyreek Hill desperate for Super Bowl redemption
Chiefs star wideout Tyreek Hill is still feeling the effects of Kansas City’s demoralizing Super Bowl loss to Tom Brady and the Bucs in February.
The three-time All-Pro struggled to impact the game in a way similar to his performance against San Francisco a year earlier. Hill managed 7 catches for 73 yards. Critically, his longest reception was 23 yards — 21 yards short of the famous Jet Chip Wasp play in Super Bowl LIV.
“Man, you know what, man?” Hill said to TMZ recently.
“I’ve been grinding my tail off ever since that loss. . . . I feel like we was kind of embarrassed on national TV during the biggest game, you know, in the last game of the year.”
After reaching the promise land just two years ago, Hill wants to return to the feeling of euphoria and abolish the anguish of a Super Bowl loss.
“We definitely don’t want to go down that route again,” he said. “We’ll be back.”
Most don’t doubt it one bit. The AFC West is the Chiefs to lose, even if Jon Elway manages to lure another all-time great quarterback to Mile High. We’re looking at you Aaron Rodgers.
Stephon Gilmore: ‘I just want what I’m worth’
Rarely do players speak out about their frustration in New England but the four-time Pro Bowler, Stephon Gilmore has bucked the trend in hopes of a new deal.
Speaking to reporter Josina Anderson earlier today, Gilmore voiced his desire to be paid commensurate to his skill set and market average.
Gilmore’s base salary in 2021 is $7 million — seventh highest among cornerbacks. Top earner Byron Jones, of the Miami Dolphins, will earn double that amount ($14 million). Jones’ colleague Xavien Howard, Washington’s Kendall Fuller, Denver’s Kyle Fuller, Houston’s Bradley Roby and Cincinnati’s Trae Waynes all have a bigger base salary than the 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
“I just want what I’m worth, however that plays out,” Gilmore told Anderson. “Every player should be paid what they’re worth. That’s just how it is.”
Despite, the current contractual impasse Gilmore isn’t wishing for a way out of Foxboro.
“Hopefully we can find some common ground and get it situated,” Gilmore remarked.
“I just know what I bring to the table and my style of play. Right now, I’m just trying to focus on myself and make sure I’m good mentally and physically.”
After an injury-plagued 2020 season, Gilmore went under the knife to repair his partially-torn quad. Feeling better than evert, he’s confident 2021 will be different.
“I feel stronger than I’ve ever felt since the surgery. I’ve been running a lot, building full speed,” Gilmore said.
Pats fans may see Gilly Lock in training camp, but even he’s not sure just yet. If not, it will likely be due to his physical condition — rather than the off-field situation.
“We’ll see; if I need to be. But I also don’t want to push it.”
Why Kyle Shanahan nearly bailed on the 49ers before he began
There would be no Jimmy G, nor Trey Lance and more than likely no Super Bowl appearance. It’s fair to say Kyle Shanahan has changed the direction of a 49ers franchise who struggled to reclaim relevancy in the years post-Jim Harbaugh.
In an twist of events, Shanahan nearly bailed on an interview with San Francisco toward the end of the 2016 as he and the Atlanta Falcons geared up for Super Bowl LI.
Shanahan, then-Offensive Coordinator for Atlanta revealed to Peter Scharger and Sean McVay on the Flying Coach podcast, he nearly removed himself from the running.
“I almost canceled one just because I was so exhausted, and I almost canceled San Francisco,” Shanahan said, via David Bonilla of 49ersWebZone.com.
“It had nothing to do with San Francisco — it was just my whole goal in life was to be a head coach and stay a head coach. It wasn’t just to become one and say I got there.”
Then, San Francisco were nowhere near the tantalizing prospect of current day. The 49ers finished the 2016 season with a record of 2-14 and ranked 27th and 32nd in offense and defense respectively.
“When I looked at San Francisco, I was nervous because they didn’t have that setup, and they had changed coaches three years in a row,” Shanahan revealed.
“Their offense was ranked 31st. Their defensed was ranked 32nd. It wasn’t the best situation.”
Thankfully, for the Faithful Shanahan followed through with the interview and fell in love with the prospect.
“My wife asked me which [team] I liked the most,” Shanahan said. “I’m like, ‘Actually, the Niners is the only one I really feel good about,’ and it shocked her because she knew how I talked the morning before.”
Malcolm Butler excited by Cardinals squad ahead of return to the place he made his name
The NFL season begins with the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosting America’s Team; the Dallas Cowboys on September 9. Though there are many defining occasions throughout the league before and after the battle of Brady and Prescott.
Arizona’s newest addition Malcolm Butler already feels at home in The Grand Canyon State. Like Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort, Butler and State Farm Stadium are part of one another forever.
Super Bowl XLIX will live long in the memory of Butler — and Seahawks fans — with his interception chiseled into the annals of NFL history.
His new coordinator, Vance Joseph is a defense specialist. The prospect of playing under him has Butler watering at the mouth.
“He seems like he knows how to call plays [for] situational football,” Butler told team reporter Lisa Matthews. “He knows that good football teams are led by the players, not by the coaches. And I like his scheme.”
Butler also noted that playing alongside former Patriots teammate Chandler Jones and defensive lineman J.J. Watt were also factors in his decision to come to Arizona.
“Arizona was making good moves. You know obviously I played with Chandler. You brought J.J. Watt in, you got the young, talented quarterback (Kyler Murray), you got the dynamic wide receiver duo (DeAndre Hopkins & A.J. Green).”
After allowing more points than 20 other NFL teams, Butler’s experienced presence will be crucial to the Cardinals postseason hopes in a cutthroat NFC West.
N’Keal Harry formally requests a trade from New England
Under-fire wide receiver N'Keal Harry has never really fit in New England and now he’s taken matters into his own hands.
Under-fire wide receiver N'Keal Harry has never really fit in New England and now he’s taken matters into his own hands.
Harry desires to seek newer pastures for the 2021 season, the Patriots aren’t displeased with this course of action with rumors circulating the Arizona State product was in danger of being cut.
Jamal Tooson, Harry’s agent, officially handed in a trade request, via Mike Garafolo of NFL Media.
“For the past several months, I have been working in cooperation with the Patriots behind the scenes to put a plan in place to allow N’Keal to thrive in New England,” Tooson said in a statement shared on social media.
“Through two seasons, he has 86 targets, which obviously hasn’t met the expectations the Patriots and N’Keal had when they drafted a dominant downfield threat who was virtually unstoppable at the point of attack in college. Following numerous conversations with the Patriots, I believe it’s time for a fresh start and best for both parties if N’Keal moves on before the start of training camp. That’s why I have informed the Patriots today I am formally requesting a trade on behalf of my client.
“N’Keal understands a key ingredient to production is opportunity. He will continue to work hard to develop and refine his craft after missing a large portion of his rookie year to injury. His draft-day expectations for his NFL career have not changed. We are confident success is just around the corner for him and will aggressively pursue it.”
Bill Belichick has come under fire for the Harry selection — No. 32 overall in 2019 — after leaving the likes of D.K. Metcalf, Deebo Samuel, A.J. Brown and Terry McLaurin on the board.
Harry amassed just four touchdowns alongside 45 receptions and 414 yards across his two seasons in New England.
New England has gone to drastic measures to improve their skill positions this offseason, signing receivers Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne, in addition to tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith.
It remains to be seen which teams will come calling for Harry. Our guess is it won’t be a high price.