The Chicago Bears have serious questions at wide receiver going into training camp. GM Ryan Poles was reluctant to throw significant resources at the position in free agency or the draft. After seeing what the team has in OTAs and minicamps, it became clear that it wasn’t enough. They needed more. So the team decided to take a calculated risk by trading for former 1st round pick N’Keal Harry from the New England Patriots.
According to Ian Rapoport, the move costs the Bears a 7th round pick in 2024. Pretty much chump change by draft standards. The Patriots have long flirted with the idea of moving on from Harry. The wide receiver himself has sought an exit since the start of last season. Nothing came together until now. He is probably thrilled for a fresh opportunity elsewhere. Harry made 57 catches for 598 yards and four touchdowns over three seasons.
The #Patriots have traded WR N’Keal Harry to the #Bears, sources tell me and @RapSheet. Former first-round pick gets a shot at a fresh start.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 12, 2022
It’s a 7th rounder in 2024 going to New England. https://t.co/npGaDigEQh
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 12, 2022
On WR N'Keal Harry's trade to Chicago a source says they believe "sometimes a change of scenery is necessary." The belief is that Harry will add to the competition at the position, and the hope is he'll continue to develop when they pour into him.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) July 12, 2022
Will it work out? There is no way to know. The key here is they paid a cheap price while Harry is still young. He is only 24 years old. The guy went in the 1st round for a reason. Some compared him to Allen Robinson coming out of Arizona State. What he lacks in overall speed he makes up for in body control, long arms, and strong hands. Give him an opportunity to go get the ball; he was likely to come down with it.
Unfortunately, he never seemed to fit in with the Patriots’ offense. Their system is notorious for requiring precise route running. That was never his strength. He is more of an imposing possession receiver and an excellent run blocker. That is something the Chicago Bears wanted to target a lot this off-season. Luke Getsy’s wide-zone system demands receivers who can be in on the action. Harry is a perfect fit.
