Browns to re-sign veteran DT

Being on three teams since 2021, Shelby Harris is set to enjoy more continuity in the mid-2020s. The Browns have reached an agreement to keep the veteran defensive tackle.

Harris will stay in Cleveland on a two-year deal worth $9M, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson reports. The Browns picked up Harris weeks after his 2023 Seahawks release, and the former Broncos starter will stay in Cleveland to work alongside Dalvin Tomlinson again.

After adding a few outside pieces at defensive tackle last year, the Browns are spending resources to keep their own at the position this year. A day after re-signing Maurice Hurst Jr. (and Za’Darius Smith), the Browns will retain Harris, whom they signed midway through training camp last year.

Harris’ most noticeable skill is rerouting passes. The veteran D-tackle batted down five passes in 2023 and has two more seasons with at least seven deflections up front. The Browns used the former seventh-round pick as a seven-game starter last year, but Harris was active for all 18 Cleveland contests. He finished with 1.5 sacks and six tackles for loss with the team.

Known more for his interior pass rushing (two six-sack seasons) than his work against the run, Harris rated well in this area last season. Pro Football Focus slotted him just outside the top 20 among interior D-linemen. After being part of a No. 1-ranked Browns pass defense, the 32-year-old defender will be asked to keep going toward his mid-30s.

The Broncos gave Harris a three-year, $27M deal to stay in 2021, which marked his fifth season with the team. However, the team included the starting D-lineman in the Russell Wilson trade. However, the Seahawks bailed on the $9M-per-year contract after one season, leading to the Cleveland arrival. Harris has 71 starts on his resume. Harris and Tomlinson helped the Browns go from 25th in run defense in 2022 to 11th in this category last season.