The Seattle Seahawks have recently signed former New England Patriots wide receiver N’Keal Harry to their practice squad, marking a shift in his role as he transitions to tight end. This move is both a potential revival for Harry’s career and a strategic move by the Seahawks to add depth to their roster. Harry, who was drafted by the Patriots in 2019 as the 32nd overall pick, faced challenges meeting expectations in New England. Known for his size and physicality, he struggled to find a consistent role in the Patriots’ offense, ultimately resulting in his trade to the Chicago Bears in 2022. There, Harry continued to face limited opportunities, catching just seven passes for 116 yards across seven games.
With the Seahawks, the decision to bring Harry on as a tight end could maximize his skill set. At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, Harry has the build and athleticism to potentially excel in a hybrid role, where he can take advantage of mismatches against smaller defensive backs and provide blocking support when necessary. The transition to tight end is becoming more common for wide receivers with similar physical profiles, as it allows them to leverage their abilities in a new way that suits evolving NFL offenses.
The Seahawks’ move is indicative of their interest in versatile players who can fill multiple roles on the field. Their tight end corps, including established names like Will Dissly, Noah Fant, and Colby Parkinson, is solid, but adding Harry to the practice squad provides them with insurance and a potential developmental project. If he adapts well to the position, he could see increased involvement in Seattle’s offense, particularly in red-zone and short-yardage situations where his size can be a considerable advantage.
For Harry, this shift to tight end may provide a new career path and a second chance to prove himself in the NFL. The Seahawks, known for their creative use of offensive talent under head coach Pete Carroll, could be the perfect team to help Harry realize his potential in this new role.
