Shelby Harris makes too much sense for Chiefs after latest injury setback

The NFL trade deadline is set for Tuesday, November 4, at 3 p.m. Arrowhead time. With under two weeks until that cutoff, many teams looking to make moves will begin to create some action. The Kansas City Chiefs could surely make an addition at this year's trade deadline. Just last year, they made a move to acquire wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans.

There are many ways that the Chiefs could ultimately go at the trade deadline. Running back remains a fascinating spot to monitor, though the team may be more content with their current construction there compared to the outlook in future seasons. The defensive line is easily a spot where Kansas City could look to improve.

K.C. has 15 sacks through seven games, tied for 14th in the NFL. Meanwhile, Kansas City ranks 15th in rushing yards allowed and 22nd in yards allowed per rush attempt. It does not seem like the run defense has sputtered all season long. However, the Chiefs just have not dominated in that area.

A potential defensive tackle trade fit could easily help them in one of those areas, and one candidate is Shelby Harris of the Cleveland Browns.

Why Shelby Harris is obvious trade candidate

Harris has spent time inside the AFC West before. He is most known for his run with the Denver Broncos from 2017 to 2021. Plus, his first two career seasons were with the Raiders in 2014 and 2015.

Harris is in his third season with the Browns. He is 34 years old. Harris is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent this upcoming offseason. Obviously, that is another reason why he could be moved before the trade deadline. Notably, Harris only has a $2 million base salary for this season, via Spotrac. That makes him a very cheap option on the trade market. A team like the Chiefs would not owe him much cash for the remainder of the season.

The Chiefs do not typically go out chasing older pieces under general manager Brett Veach, but Harris remains steadily productive. Certain exceptions have also been made, with Hopkins as an ideal example.

Harris is not going to offer much as a pass rusher. For instance, Pro Football Focus credits him with just six pressures and four hurries this season. But as a run defender, PFF has given him a solid 70.5 run defense grade this year.

Harris has tallied roughly as many run defense snaps (86) as pass rush snaps (91) this season. Overall, he simply knows how to execute his job of plugging gaps and getting off of blocks consistently. Harris will routinely create run stops for himself or for teammates to clean up in the midst of traffic. The veteran defensive tackle is a gritty, tough player who can elevate the competitive level of a team's defensive line.

Why Shelby Harris trade makes sense for Chiefs, Browns

The defensive effectiveness of the Chiefs fluctuates from week to week. It has arguably been the major difference or sticking point in two of Kansas City's three losses this season. And now, the unfortunate Omarr Norman-Lott injury further highlights the need for more juice up front. The pass rush will need to continue to make strides in its production.

However, a calming presence as a run stuffer can still pay dividends. The Chiefs' offense is also executing and scoring at a high level. That may lead to more teams playing on the ground to control the game and keep it away from Patrick Mahomes and Co., as a result. Harris can shore up that area as an instant contributor on early downs.

On the other hand, the Browns are in need of draft picks and young talent as they continue to build for the future. So far, much of this current Cleveland rookie class has performed well. The Browns will be looking to hit on more draft picks next year. Why not add another draft asset from a team like Kansas City?

Therefore, moving a pending free agent like Shelby Harris for any sort of draft compensation makes logical sense for Cleveland. Surely, it would not cost more than a Day 3 draft pick for the Chiefs to land Harris.