Nick Harris Returns to Cleveland as Browns and Seahawks Finalize Trade
In a significant move to solidify their offensive line depth, the Cleveland Browns have orchestrated a trade with the Seattle Seahawks to bring back center Nick Harris. The deal marks Harris's return to Cleveland, where he originally began his NFL career. In exchange for Harris, the Browns will part with a 2026 sixth-round pick and receive a 2026 seventh-round pick from the Seahawks along with Harris.
The Return of a Familiar Face
Harris, who was initially drafted by the Browns in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, made his mark early on by making four starts across 40 regular-season games. Despite a promising start, his career faced a setback when he sustained a knee injury during the 2022 preseason, causing him to miss the entire regular season.
Last year, Harris attempted a fresh start with the Seattle Seahawks, where he managed to earn two starts. His tenure in Seattle was relatively short-lived as the Seahawks, looking to diversify their roster, signed veteran Connor Williams and now have Olu Oluwatimi as a reliable backup option. This strategic depth at the center position made Harris expendable, allowing Cleveland an opportunity to reclaim their former draft pick.
Addressing Browns' Urgent Needs
The Browns' urgency to bolster their center position became evident following an ankle injury to Luke Wypler during the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers. Wypler's injury left a significant gap in the Browns’ offensive line, raising concerns over depth and stability as the team gears up for the regular season. Harris's return offers the Browns much-needed depth and a familiar, capable player who understands the team's system and can integrate swiftly.
A Win-Win Trade
For the Browns, exchanging a future sixth-round pick for Harris and an additional seventh-round pick in 2026 represents a strategic move to enhance their roster's immediate effectiveness. Acquiring Harris, who has experience with Cleveland's coaching staff and playbook, allows the team to address their center position needs promptly. The addition of another draft pick also provides future flexibility for the Browns' front office.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks benefit from the deal by securing a future sixth-round pick, providing them with more draft capital to continue building their roster. With the signing of Connor Williams and the presence of Oluwatimi, Seattle has confidence in their center position, making Harris expendable yet valuable for trade negotiations.
Looking Ahead
As the Browns prepare for the upcoming season, the addition of Harris can bring much-needed solidity to their offensive line. With his familiarity with the team and the coaching staff, Harris can potentially transition smoothly back into his role, contributing effectively and helping the team mitigate the impact of Wypler’s injury. The move underscores the Browns' determination to ensure they have the depth and quality required to compete at the highest level.
The trade showcases the Browns' tactical approach to addressing immediate concerns while also keeping an eye on future potential. For Harris, it represents an opportunity to reestablish himself in a familiar environment and to contribute to a team he once called home.
In the ever-dynamic world of the NFL, where depth and readiness can make a significant difference, the Harris trade is a testament to the Browns' proactive strategy in maintaining a competitive edge. With the regular season on the horizon, all eyes will be on how quickly Harris can reintegrate and bolster the Browns' offensive line.