DONE DEAL: Browns complete unbelievable trade to Bolster NFL’s Best Defense

The Browns signed the three-time Super Bowl champion to bolster one of the NFL’s best defenses.

The Cleveland Browns signed Duron Harmon on Wednesday to bolster an NFL defense that is functioning despite some injuries.

Harmon last played for the Chicago Bears, where he appeared in three games and started one this season. He also played for the Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions. However, most of Harmon’s time in the NFL was spent with the New England Patriots. He spent seven seasons in New England and won three Super Bowls.

Harmon recorded 407 tackles, 23 interceptions and 43 passes defensed in 164 career games. Harmon returns from the season-ending injury to veteran Rodney McLeod. He suffered a biceps injury on November 19 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. McLeod has appeared in all 10 games this season with five starts. Recorded 23 tackles and a defense. The 12-year vet joined the Browns as a free agent last May.

Another safety addition this offseason is Juan Thornhill. He is dealing with an ankle injury and did not practice on Wednesday. The same goes for Grant Delpit entering the new season. “We’ll see,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said of their status. “It’s Wednesday.”

If Delpit and Thornhill are unavailable, D’Anthony Bell and rookie Ronnie Hickman (neither of whom are ready yet) will get the start. The Browns also have quarterback Jordan Kunasik back from injured reserve, which will be crucial for junior Anthony Walker.

The Browns may be without another key member of their secondary, cornerback Denzel Ward. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Pro Bowl tight end is facing some uncertainty with a shoulder injury.

Cabot said Wednesday, Nov. 22: “The Browns are still determining the nature and severity of the injury involving the labrum. “The Browns will figure out how to keep him from missing more games and how to deal with the loss of their No. 1 cornerback.”

Ward has scored 29 goals and two touchdowns this season. Fortunately for the Browns, they have two very capable cornerbacks in Greg Newsome and Martin Emerson Jr. If Ward can’t play Sunday against the Denver Broncos, who can hold down the fort? Newsome praised the team’s “brotherhood” despite significant injuries on both sides of the ball.

“This shows not only the resiliency of the offense, but the resiliency of the team,” Newsome said Monday, Nov. 20. “I think when you’re all together, we don’t fall apart offensively or defensively. We just find a way. We lost a lot of great players this offseason. But I think it’s a credit to the credit and the brotherhood that we built in the offseason.

Joe Flacco begins his first practice with the Browns.

Offensively, the Browns will look to fill the void left by season-ending injuries. The team signed veteran Joe Flacco this week, and he began his first practice on Wednesday. Flacco has an extensive resume and has made it clear he can still make an impact.

“I’m still enjoying it,” Flacco told reporters after practice. “I feel like I’ve got something left in the tank, so I just have to keep pushing myself and try to play the game I love until I feel like I can’t anymore.”

The Browns are expected to start rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson this week, but if the rookie falters, Flacco will likely get the nod.