Patriots reportedly trade WR N'Keal Harry to Bears for 2024 seventh-round pick

It took roughly 12 months longer than desired, but wide receiver N'Keal Harry finally found a new NFL home. 

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo (h/t Nick Shook) reported Tuesday afternoon that the New England Patriots have traded Harry to the Chicago Bears in exchange for just a 2024 seventh-round draft pick. The transaction ends a relationship between Harry and the Patriots that seemed to quickly turn into a negative for all involved. 

New England selected Harry with pick No. 32 overall in the 2019 draft, but he recorded only 45 receptions for 414 yards and four touchdowns in his first 21 career regular-season games over the 2019 and 2020 seasons. Amid reports that the Patriots could cut Harry last July, the 24-year-old requested a trade ahead of training camp. His wish went ungranted, and he ultimately tallied just 12 catches for 184 yards in his final 12 contests with the organization. 

As Myles Simmons explained for Pro Football Talk, the Patriots declined the fifth-year option attached to Harry's rookie contract earlier this spring. Harry will now look to prove his worth catching passes thrown by Chicago starter and second-year quarterback Justin Fields this fall, while the Bears will hope they landed a first-round talent for a fraction of the price.