Lions Projected to Steal Patriots’ RB

The NFL offseason is always filled with rumors, speculation, and the excitement of potential trades and free-agent signings. However, some rumors carry more weight than others, and one such story that has recently gained traction involves the Detroit Lions reportedly looking to sign New England Patriots’ running back, Damien Harris.

Harris, who has spent the last few seasons with the Patriots, has become one of the more reliable backs in New England’s backfield, but with a new season approaching and the Patriots adjusting their roster, it seems the running back could be on the move. The Detroit Lions, under head coach Dan Campbell, are expected to be a significant contender in the NFC, and adding Harris to their roster would further bolster their already potent offense.

This article delves into why the Lions are targeting Harris, how he fits within their offensive scheme, what he brings to the table as a player, and the potential implications for the New England Patriots and Damien Harris’ career. Furthermore, we’ll explore how this potential move could affect the NFC and AFC landscape, as well as what it means for both teams moving forward.

Damien Harris’ Career with the New England Patriots

Before diving into the potential move, it’s important to understand Damien Harris’ career with the New England Patriots. Drafted by the Patriots in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Harris entered New England with plenty of promise. He had a standout career at Alabama, where he played under head coach Nick Saban and became one of the top running back prospects in the country. The Patriots took a gamble on Harris in the 2019 draft, and the move has generally paid off, with Harris contributing in several key moments for the team.

From the start, Harris showed promise with his physical running style, good vision, and the ability to get yards after contact. In his rookie season, he wasn’t the primary ball carrier, as the Patriots’ offense was running with a committee approach. However, it was in his second year in the league that Harris began to make a significant impact. In 2020, Harris established himself as the lead back for the Patriots, finishing the season with over 900 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns.

The following year, however, Harris experienced a more challenging season as the Patriots transitioned to Mac Jones at quarterback and revamped their offensive scheme. Despite still being the starting back, Harris had a mixed performance, as injuries and inconsistency limited his productivity. With Rhamondre Stevenson emerging as a reliable option in the backfield alongside Harris, it became clear that Harris’ role in New England was evolving.

With the Patriots’ depth at running back and the team moving in a new direction under head coach Bill Belichick, Harris now finds himself at a crossroads in his career. The Patriots have a crowded backfield, and the emergence of Stevenson as the lead back, combined with other potential additions, has made it likely that Harris could look elsewhere for a starting role. This is where the Detroit Lions come into play.

Why the Detroit Lions Are Interested in Damien Harris

The Detroit Lions have been steadily building their team under head coach Dan Campbell since his arrival in 2021. The Lions finished the 2022 NFL season on a high note, demonstrating a potent offense led by Jared Goff at quarterback and an explosive group of skilled players. Campbell has instilled a strong culture of toughness and competitiveness in Detroit, and the Lions are positioning themselves as a NFC contender for the 2025 season.

One of the key areas the Lions are focused on is improving their run game. While they’ve had strong performances from Jamaal Williams in recent seasons, the Lions’ backfield lacks a true game-changer at running back. The team saw significant success with Williams in the 2022 season, but his departure left a void in Detroit’s backfield. Adding Harris would not only fill that gap but could also provide a significant upgrade at the position.

Harris’ Fit in Detroit’s Offensive Scheme

The Detroit Lions run a power-based offense that thrives on establishing the run early and creating a balanced attack. Under Campbell, the team has heavily relied on their offensive line, led by Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow, to open up lanes for their running backs. In that scheme, Damien Harris could excel with his physical running style. Harris is known for his hard-nosed approach, running with power between the tackles and picking up tough yards in short-yardage and goal-line situations. This makes him a perfect fit for Detroit’s style of play.

What makes Harris even more attractive for the Lions is his ability to take over games with his power running when the offense needs it most. He could complement the skill sets of Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown, while taking pressure off Goff by creating a more dynamic run game that opponents must account for. By adding Harris, the Lions would have a powerful duo with Jamaal Williams, and a running back who can churn out tough yards.

Harris’ Versatility and Threat in the Passing Game

Though Harris is primarily known for his rushing ability, he also possesses the versatility to contribute in the passing game. One of the key areas where the Lions have struggled is in the passing attack to their running backs. While Jamaal Williams had limited impact as a receiving back, Harris has the ability to catch passes out of the backfield and contribute as a reliable option in the screen game and on short passes. While not known as a dynamic pass catcher, Harris has the tools to develop into a more consistent contributor in this area.

If the Lions can harness Harris’ skill set as a receiver, it will only make their offense even more difficult to defend, as it provides a multifaceted threat with both their running backs and receivers working together.

Impact of Harris’ Departure from the New England Patriots

If Damien Harris were to leave the New England Patriots for the Detroit Lions, it would be a significant move for both teams. For the Patriots, losing Harris would leave a void in the backfield. While Rhamondre Stevenson has proven to be a capable starter, Harris’ departure would mean the Patriots would need to rely on Stevenson to carry a heavier workload. The Patriots also have to consider the possibility of adding another veteran running back or drafting a young back to round out their roster.

However, Harris’ departure would open up opportunities for younger players on the Patriots’ roster, including Pierre Strong Jr. and Kevin Harris, both of whom have shown flashes of potential. This would allow them to step up and take on a more prominent role in the offense. Additionally, the Patriots could explore other veteran options in the free-agent market or make a move in the upcoming NFL Draft to find a replacement.

For the Detroit Lions, acquiring Harris would be a clear step in the right direction, strengthening their run game and giving them a dependable ball carrier to complement their growing offensive attack. Detroit has a solid offensive line and a well-established offensive philosophy, but a running back like Harris could unlock the full potential of the offense. Pairing him with talented playmakers like Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and others could lead to a dangerous offense in the coming years.

What This Move Means for the NFL Landscape

The addition of Damien Harris to the Detroit Lions would not only impact these two teams but could have significant ripple effects throughout the NFL landscape. As the Lions continue to push for the top of the NFC, strengthening their roster is essential. By adding Harris, they are signaling their intent to be a serious contender in the conference. The move would also send a message to other teams in the NFC North, showing that the Lions are not only competitive but ready to take the next step.

For the New England Patriots, the loss of Harris could be a sign of the team’s continued evolution under Bill Belichick. With a deep pool of running backs and an evolving offensive system, the Patriots will need to adapt to a new reality, one where they rely on a more committee-based approach rather than featuring a standout back like Harris.

The bigger picture here is the continued trend of team-building through the NFL draft, where organizations are increasingly focused on creating strong, versatile rosters that can compete at a high level. The Lions’ interest in Harris could signal a larger shift in their approach to offensive football, making them a formidable team to watch in the upcoming seasons.