Browns trade two important players to NFC West teams

When you draft successfully, it gets more difficult to keep players from departing.

The Cleveland Browns are beginning to see this as they have watched players like Sione Takitaki sign with the New England Patriots. They also had to watch as the NFC West swooped in and claimed two players drafted in 2020.

First, Jordan Elliott, a defensive tackle, signed with the 49ers. With Javon Kinlaw moving to the New York Jets and Arik Armstead slated to be released, the Niners signed Elliott to a two-year, $10 million contract.

Elliott, a former third-round draft pick from Missouri, struggled to establish himself early in his career. This season, however, he thrived under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. His numbers weren’t particularly impressive (21 tackles, 2.5 sacks), but it was clear that he improved.

Elliott will now face one of his former colleagues, Nick Harris, who signed with the Seattle Seahawks. Harris’ contract is for one year and $2.51 million, which is ironic given that he lost out on the starting spot to Ethan Pocic, who Cleveland signed from Seattle.

Harris attended Washington, thus he is familiar with the west coast. Even if he wasn’t the starter in Cleveland, the loss will be difficult. Harris played 311 offensive snaps (25 percent of the snaps) and was frequently lined up as a fullback. He will be replaced as backup center by Luke Wypler, but his ability to guide the way near the goal line will be sorely missed.

Cleveland played in the NFC West last season and defeated the 49ers, handing them their first setback of the season. Two weeks later, they lost to the Seahawks in Seattle. Both games were closely contested and came down to the closing minutes.