New England Patriots' versatile rookie running back Damien Harris could play a huge role for the team’s offense in the 2019 season due to his ability as a receiver, aside from being an outstanding blocker and rusher. In his four years with the Alabama Crimson Tide, Harris ran 477 times for 3,070 yards and 23 touchdowns and caught 52 passes for 407 yards and two scores. He was taken in the third round (87th overall) by the Patriots, adding another versatile running back to their already crowded backfield currently occupied by Sony Michel, James White, and Rex Burkhead.

Harris saw significant time with Brady during the first day of Patriots’ minicamp, with the continued absence of Michel, the team’s first-round pick last season.

Due to Michel’s injury history, the Patriots could rely on Harris as another rushing option and a possible receiver for Brady. The 5-foot-10 Harris caught passes from Brady during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills during the two-hour workout. After the workout, Harris talked about his experience receiving passes and handoffs from the 41-year-old quarterback. “It’s special, but he’s my teammate now, so I get to do that every single day,” said Harris. The young rusher added that he’s fortunate in having Brady as a teammate as he can learn a lot from the veteran who’s entering his 20th season in the NFL.

“He’s a guy that I can lean on and learn from. And I know if I need something, I can depend on him,” he added.

Patriots sign Harris to rookie deal

The Patriots have locked up their 2019 Draft class after signing Harris to a four-year contract worth $3,631,319, including $886,319 in signing bonus, per a report by Field Yates of ESPN.

Harris was a true professional as he participated in organized team activities and the minicamp even without a contract. With Harris’ signing, the Patriots have placed all of their 2019 selections under contract. A few days ago, the Patriots signed rookie defensive end Chase Winovich to a four-year rookie contract worth $3.8 million, including a signing bonus worth nearly $1 million.

Brady’s cryptic tweet worries Patriots fans

Since he joined Twitter in April, Brady has posted some tweets that have Patriots fans worrying. When he first joined Twitter, he sent fans panicking when he announced his retirement on April Fools Day. Brady was at it again during the first day of Patriots minicamp when he posted several photos of him with a caption “Treat my first like my last, and my last like my first!,” a quote from Jay-Z’s track titled "My 1st Song." The tweet sent fans into a frenzy, thinking that the 2019 season would be Brady’s final season and he will hang up his cleats for good. Fans replied to Brady’s post, asking him to clarify what he means by the word “last” in his tweet.

However, Brady has yet to clarify his cryptic post. Brady was impressive during the first day of Patriots' minicamp, throwing passes to rookie wide receiver N'Keal Harry.
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