In a decision that surprises no one, the Patriots have opted not to pick up N’Keal Harry’s fifth year option. That means Harry will be a free agent after next season.

Harry’s first three years in a Patriots uniform have been a disaster. Harry has caught just 57 passes for 598 yards and four touchdowns during that span. His best season was 2020 when he caught 33 passes for 309 yards and two touchdowns.

Harry was drafted with the 32nd pick of the first round in 2019. At 6-4 225, Harry profiles as a number one receiver but coming out of Arizona State but has been anything but in his time with the Patriots. Instead, his tenure has been marred by injury, inconsistency and a lack of production.

Bill Belichick has long gotten flak for the team’s inability to develop receivers and rightfully so. Harry unfortunately is the poster boy for the team’s failures at developing receivers.

The Patriots are stuck with Harry for another season unless they can sell another team on his upside and trade him. It is a long shot. At this point, the Patriots are better off holding onto him and giving it one more try.

Either way you look at it, Harry’s days in New England are numbered. Not picking up his option only affirms that.