Patriots Bring Tommie Harris In for a Visit
Former Bears defensive tackle, Tommie Harris, is reportedly in Foxboro, Mass today. The Boston Herald is reporting the Patriots have brought in the defensive lineman for a workout.
I find this visit very interesting for several reasons. Harris is another penetrating defensive tackle & could offer more versatility for the Patriots defense. There are a few questions that come to mind. Is this more evidence they are moving towards a 4 - 3 base defense? Is Belichick already not impressed with Haynesworth? Are they curious if he can play DE in 3-4 as well as DT in a 4 - 3?
If Harris can serve as a substitute for Haynesworth or Wilfork on 3rd-down situations, or perhaps play five technique DE in a 3-4 defense, that would add a lot of versatility to the defense. I am sure Belichick has had many of these same thoughts which is why he brought the recently released Harris in for a visit.
Along with some of the other signings the Pats have made this week, Harris does not exactly scream "Patriots way" either. He had some contractual problems with the Chicago Bears, lack of production, and problems with the coaching staff that led to his eventual release. In his defense, he has had poor luck with injuries over the past two seasons.
If Belichick does like what Harris shows him on their Monday visit, I would feel confident the 28-year old could positively contribute. However, the next information we hear on this topic will most likely be if the Pats have signed Harris or not.
With the veteran resigning process still on going and new pieces being added from all over the NFL, there is no shortage of NFL news. There will be updates coming in every day and I will be sure to keep you updated as the “free agent frenzy” continues. Stay tuned.
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