Despite signing a two-year contract with the team last offseason, Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Shelby Harris could still be a cut candidate this year. According to a report, the source believes the Browns will release the defensive tackle since the team has been overhauling the entire depth chart on the defensive line. Harris could find himself on the roster bubble even before the 2025 regular season starts, as other names like Maliek Collins will occupy the starting role, and after selecting Mason Graham in the fifth round of this year’s draft, the Browns could be moving on. 2024 draft pick Mike Hall is another option in the same unit that may emerge into a capable defensive tackle, as he’s still on a rookie contract, so this all but probably confirms that Harris might be on thin ice.
Originally selected in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the former Wisconsin and Illinois State product spent some time between the practice squad of the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys before landing a starting role with the Broncos. The team eventually sent him as part of the Russell Wilson trade to the Seattle Seahawks, but that was followed by the Browns acquiring him in free agency, where he saw his snap share jump. Harris is aging and might be just looking for the next defensive team that is looking for a capable defensive lineman who needs help in their championship run. With that, here are four contenders that may give him an opportunity if he’s free on the market.
Breaking: 27-Sack Veteran Shelby Harris Named a Cut Candidate – 4 Suitors Emerge
Potential Next Teams
Washington Commanders
Despite having a promising offense led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, the offseason has been one of the most disappointing for the defense. After signing Javon Kinlaw, it was arguably one of the worst signings of free agency, and between Deatrich Wise Jr., Dorance Armstrong and Daron Payne, the Commanders need a reliable upgrade. Even though Harris is aging, he’s still a capable veteran who could bolster this trenches department to a high-caliber unit.
Baltimore Ravens
However, the Baltimore Ravens haven’t had the same defense since 2023 when they lost Jadeveon Clowney, Geno Stone, Chris Board, and now Malik Harrison this offseason. The Ravens might feel the absence of these key contributors just like when Michael Pierce announced his retirement. Between Broderick Washington and Travis Jones, it doesn’t give Nnamdi Madubuike a lot of freedom to get after the quarterback. Harris pairing with Madubuike should get the Ravens back to their old-school style of play.
Los Angeles Chargers
Just like the Ravens, the Los Angeles Chargers will have a dramatically different defense this upcoming season. Da’Shawn Hand and Teair Tart aren’t single-handedly going to keep this trenches unit together since Poona Ford, who they lost this free agency, was their best defender. The Chargers lost Morgan Fox, but it’s not too late to add another meat-and-potatoes type player like Harris to improve this defensive line further.
Kansas City Chiefs
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs don’t really need another defensive lineman, but it’d be nice for Harris to join on a reduced role to help him win a ring. He could still make some type of impact alongside Chris Jones and Mike Danna since they’re lacking improvement from Felix Anudike-Uzomah. Harris could make an impact even on a rotational basis and bring this Chiefs defense back to life during the big moment in the Super Bowl for possible revenge.
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