/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69547334/1292612613.0.jpg)
Wide receiver N’Keal Harry’s tenure with the New England Patriots has reached a crossroads after two seasons.
In a statement obtained by NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo on Tuesday, his agent, Jamal Tooson, requested a trade.
“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,” Tooson’s statement read in part. “That is why I have informed the Patriots today I am formally requesting a trade on behalf of my client.”
Statement from #Patriots WR N’Keal Harry’s agent Jamal Tooson, who has formally requested a trade for the 2019 first-round pick. pic.twitter.com/3xdJbbar28
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 6, 2021
Harry, 23, arrived in the 2019 NFL draft at pick No. 32 overall — and as the first wideout taken in the first round under head coach Bill Belichick. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Arizona State product began his rookie year on injured reserve and has appeared in 21 games with New England since then, starting 14. His resume includes 45 receptions for 414 yards with four touchdowns on 81 targets. Additionally, he has handled seven rushing attempts for 49 yards.
Last campaign, Harry played 57 percent of the offensive snaps, missing two contests following a concussion.
“N’Keal understands a key ingredient to production is opportunity,” Tooson’s statement concluded. “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.”
Harry’s rookie contract runs through 2022 with a fifth-year club option. Upcoming are base salaries of $1.413 million and $1.872 million, respectively.
The Patriots signed veteran wideouts Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne to pacts carrying a combined $21.25 million guaranteed as free agency opened in March. The depth chart also includes Jakobi Meyers — who led the team in receiving one year after going undrafted — along with Gunner Olszewski, Isaiah Zuber, Kristian Wilkerson, Devin Ross, Devin Smith, Marvin Hall and seventh-round selection Tre Nixon.
The initial practice of training camp in Foxborough is set for July 28.