N’Keal Harry reportedly planning to attend Patriots training camp despite trade request

Even though N’Keal Harry wants out of New England, he is reportedly planning to attend the Patriots’ training camp set to kick off later this month. According to Josina Anderson, his “dialogue continues with the team” and that “the current plan” is for the third-year wide receiver to be present for camp.

The report comes not even a week after Harry’s agent, Jamal Tooson, released a statement requesting his client be traded.

“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,” the statement read in part. “That is why I have informed the Patriots today I am formally requesting a trade on behalf of my client.”

The Patriots’ first-round draft pick in 2019, Harry has had a disappointing tenure with the club so far. Missing time due to injury in both of his two seasons as a pro, he has appeared in 21 games over the course of his NFL career. The Arizona State product has caught 45 passes on 81 targets for 414 yards as well as four touchdowns. He has also carried the football seven times for a combined 49 yards.

Harry showed some progress early on during the 2020 season and served as a starter-level pass catcher, but a concussion changed his trajectory. He missed a pair of games and was effectively relegated to a rotational role after his return in Week 10.

Whether or not Harry gets his wish to be traded before the start of camp remains to be seen, but planning to report is a sound financial decision from his perspective. After all, he would be subject to team fines of $40,000 per each missed day.

Entering the third season of the four-year rookie contract he signed in 2019, Harry is scheduled to play on a fully guaranteed $1.4 million salary. In combination with his $1.3 million signing bonus proration, the 23-year-old is hitting the Patriots’ salary cap with $2.75 million. In case of a trade, New England would gain $493,032 in cap space.