Nick Harris Returns to Cleveland: Browns and Seahawks Make a Trade
In a strategic move aimed at reinforcing their offensive line, the Cleveland Browns have announced the return of Nick Harris. The Browns have acquired the center from the Seattle Seahawks, marking Harris's second stint with the team after an earlier tenure mired by injuries and limited playing time.
The Browns traded a 2026 sixth-round pick to Seattle and, in return, received Harris and a 2026 seventh-round pick. For the Browns, this move is about securing much-needed depth at the center position, following a key injury to Luke Wypler during the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers.
Harris, who initially entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick in the 2020 Draft, has had an eventful career. During his first tenure with the Browns, he made four starts across 40 regular-season games. Injuries, however, have been a significant challenge for him. Harris missed the entire 2022 season due to a knee injury sustained in the preseason, a setback that cast doubts over his career trajectory. Despite this, he managed to make two starts last season before signing with the Seahawks in March.
The decision to trade for Harris can be seen as a direct response to the injury troubles that have plagued the Browns' center position. Luke Wypler's ankle injury during preseason has left a gap that Harris will now look to fill. Given Harris’s familiarity with the team’s playbook and coaching staff, he is expected to integrate smoothly into their system.
For the Seahawks, the trade appears to be equally strategic. The team recently signed veteran Connor Williams, which solidifies their starting lineup. Additionally, they have Olu Oluwatimi as a backup option, making Harris expendable. The Seahawks' management seems confident in their current roster depth, allowing them to make this trade without compromising their own strength at the center position.
The move underscores the Browns’ proactive approach to the upcoming season. With a history of injury challenges, particularly at key positions, the Browns’ management is taking no chances. By bringing back a known quantity in Harris, they aim to ensure stability and reliability on their offensive line.
Harris’s return to Cleveland represents not just a second chance for the player, but also a crucial tactical move for the Browns. Despite his injury setbacks, Harris has demonstrated potential and resilience, traits that could prove invaluable as the Browns navigate a competitive season.
The Browns organization and its fans will be watching Harris’s performance closely, hoping that his return will bring both depth and much-needed stability to their offensive line. The acquisition signals that the Browns are not leaving anything to chance as they shore up their roster ahead of what promises to be a challenging and demanding football season.