Patriots-Ex Damien Harris Signs With AFC East Rival

With the signing of running back James Robinson at the start of the 2023 NFL year, the New England Patriots essentially confirmed that Damien Harris was likely to depart via free agency.

FOXBORO — Though he is no longer a member of the New England Patriots, running back Damien Harris will remain in the AFC East. 

The former Patriot, turned unrestricted free agent, agreed to a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills on Monday, per ESPN. 

Harris, 26, was drafted by the Patriots in the third round (87 overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. Throughout his four years in New England, Harris established himself as the team’s top option at the position. In 2021, he enjoyed his most productive season; rushing for 959 yards on 211 carries. The Alabama product finished second in the league with 15 rushing touchdowns while catching 19 passes for 139 yards.

Health and injury took their toll on the Alabama product in the final year of his rookie deal. Both hamstring and thigh injuries sidelined Harris for seven games last season. Still, in nine games, he ran for 462 yards and three touchdowns on 106 carries, while also catching 17 passes (on 23 targets) for 97 yards. 

In his stead, Rhamondre Stevenson emerged as New England’s feature back. The second-year running back amassed 1,040 yards with five touchdowns, while averaging five yards per carry in the lead role. He also caught 69 passes for 421 yards and one touchdown as a backfield receiver.

He will conclude his Patriots tenure having rushed for 2094 yards on 449 attempts with 20 touchdowns. He also caught a total of 40 passes for 281 yards in four seasons with New England. 

Despite some ball security issues early in his career, Harris has continuously improved his confidence and experience, running for both power and finesse. When given the space to maneuver, the Alabama product is capable of breaking for significant yardage. He can also be a factor when receiving out of the backfield, a trait which he exhibited during his days at Alabama. Harris' skill set, as well as his leadership and enthusiasm has made him a favorite among his teammates, as well as the New England fanbase.

Harris’ dual-threat capabilities will immediately be welcomed by the Bills. Earlier on Monday, running back Devin Singletary signed a one-year deal worth up to $3.75 million with the Houston Texans. He joins fellow rushers James Cook and Nyheim Hines on Buffalo’s running back depth chart.

As for the Patriots, Stevenson leads a group including second-year rushers Pierre Strong, Jr. and Kevin Harris, veteran Ty Montgomery and newly-acquired James Robinson, who signed a two-year deal, with a maximum value of $8 million with New England last week. 

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