Logo

Packers Trade for Browns Veteran DT Amid Devonte Wyatt’s Knee Injury

242 views

Article image

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers have reached an agreement in principle to acquire defensive tackle Shelby Harris from the Cleveland Browns, a move designed to stabilize the middle of the defense while Devonte Wyatt recovers from a week-to-week knee injury, according to league sources. Compensation is expected to be a 2026 sixth-round pick, with the deal to be finalized pending a routine physical ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline.

The timing is deliberate. Green Bay’s defense has flashed high-end potential but wobbled when injuries thinned the interior rotation. By adding Harris—a reliable rotational piece with gap-sound run fits, the versatility to play 3-tech/4i, and consistent pocket push on passing downs—the Packers aim to lift their down-to-down efficiency and protect the second level.

From a cap standpoint, Harris’s remaining 2025 salary is expected to fit cleanly within Green Bay’s space and carries no long-term obligations beyond this season, preserving flexibility for late-season needs. On the field, Harris slots immediately into a rotation with Karl Brooks, Colby Wooden, and Nazir Stackhouse—taking early-down run snaps and contributing to interior pressure on third-and-medium/long.

From the moment I got the call from the Packers, it felt like coming home. I’m here to bring stability to the interior, and I believe I can help this team get through this tough stretch,Shelby Harris said.

Practically, Harris provides exactly what coordinator-driven fronts value in October: disciplined A/B-gap control and the ability to collapse the launch point so edge rushers can finish. Internally, the expectation is straightforward—hold serve while Wyatt heals, then expand the menu. If Wyatt returns on schedule, Green Bay anticipates a deeper, more flexible interior capable of toggling between odd/over fronts, mixing sim/creeper pressures, and matching heavier personnel without sacrificing pass-rush integrity.

Steelers Add Two Former Packers Fan Favorites to Practice Squad To Strengthen Defense Ahead Of Browns Game
  PITTSBURGH – On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed two linebackers formerly with the Green Bay Packers for a workout session. The players invited were Michael Barrett and Isaiah Simmons, as the team looks to bolster its defensive unit ahead of upcoming games. Isaiah Simmons, selected as the 8th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, has appeared in 84 games. He has recorded 329 tackles (226 solo, 103 assisted), 8.5 sacks (74 yards), 5 interceptions (127 yards), 2 interception touchdowns, 9 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. Simmons, who briefly signed with the Packers in 2025 but didn’t make the final roster, is known for his versatility and impressive speed. Michael Barrett, a 7th-round pick (240th overall) by the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Michigan, has limited NFL experience. He has appeared in a few games on practice squads with teams like the Packers and Browns but has yet to record significant stats (0 tackles, sacks, or interceptions). At Michigan, Barrett had a standout final college season with 65 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. Alex Highsmith, a key linebacker for the Steelers, suffered a high ankle sprain during the team’s Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on September 14, 2025. The injury sidelined him for Weeks 3 and 4, with an estimated recovery time of 4-6 weeks. While Highsmith was not placed on injured reserve to maintain roster flexibility, he is still recovering post-bye week and expected to return soon. However, the Steelers are seeking temporary replacements for the edge rusher position. The workouts with Barrett and Simmons reflect head coach Mike Tomlin’s cautious approach to adding depth to the defense, especially after releasing Ja’Whaun Bentley and losing Jon Rhattigan to the Raiders. Simmons, with his experience and athleticism, could be an ideal short-term option to support T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig. The Steelers have not yet announced any contract decisions regarding the two linebackers. SOURCE: https://x.com/FarabaughFB/status/1976031373946388722