Nick Harris Returns to Cleveland in Trade with Seattle Seahawks
In a move to shore up their depth at the center position, the Cleveland Browns have brought back Nick Harris, making his return to the team after a brief stint with the Seattle Seahawks. The Browns acquired Harris as part of a trade deal, sending a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Seahawks. In exchange, Cleveland received Harris and a 2026 seventh-round pick.
Harris was initially selected by the Browns in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Over the course of his initial tenure with the team, Harris appeared in 40 regular-season games, making four starts. However, his momentum was halted when he sustained a knee injury during the 2022 preseason, causing him to miss the entire regular season. Despite this setback, Harris managed to make a comeback last season, earning two starts before signing with Seattle in March.
The decision to trade for Harris was driven by the Browns' immediate need to strengthen their offensive line roster following an ankle injury to center Luke Wypler during the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers. This injury underscored the necessity for depth at the center position, prompting the Browns to seek reliable replacements.
In response, the Seahawks fortified their own center options by signing veteran Connor Williams. With Harris' departure, Seattle now looks to Olu Oluwatimi as their backup option, ensuring they maintain the necessary depth in their own squad.
The return of Nick Harris to Cleveland symbolizes a strategic move by the Browns to address their team needs and ensure they have the required personnel to face the challenges of the upcoming season. Harris' previous experience with the team and familiarity with the Browns' playbook makes him a valuable asset as they gear up for the competitive weeks ahead.
As the NFL season approaches, teams are making calculated decisions to reinforce their lineups. For the Browns, the acquisition of Harris could prove to be a crucial step in maintaining stability and operational depth within their offensive line. The collaboration and strategy displayed in such trades highlight the ever-dynamic nature of the league and the importance of adaptability and foresight by both players and management.