In terms of NFL players, former Denver Broncos defensive tackle Shelby Harris is about as rare as it gets — a 34-year-old still cashing checks.
Harris got his next and latest opportunity on Wednesday with the New York Giants after playing all 17 games with the Cleveland Browns in 2025.
“Giants have signed veteran Shelby Harris, per a league source,” NFL reporter Aaron Wilson wrote on his official X account. “New Giants defensive lineman Shelby Harris, 34, has recorded 28 1/2 career sacks, 358 tackles, five forced fumbles, 58 tackles for losses, 65 quarterback hits. Previously (played for) Browns, Broncos, Seahawks, Raiders.”
Harris played for the Broncos from 2017 to 2021 and was, most notably, part of the trade that brought quarterback Russell Wilson to Denver from the Seattle Seahawks in 2022.
“Sources: The Giants will be signing DT Shelby Harris,” NFL insider Jordan Schultz wrote on his official X account. “Harris, who has been in the league for over a decade, is one of the most respected DTs in the league and has appeared in more than 140 career games.”
Harris ‘Cried Like A Baby’ Following Trade
Talking with Nate Jackson on the “Dumb Jock Podcast” in 2024 Harris reflected on his emotions following his inclusion in the blockbuster trade that sent quarterback Russell Wilson and a fourth-round pick to the Broncos in exchange for Harris, two first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick, quarterback Drew Lock and tight end Noah Fant.
“(Denver Broncos general manager) George Paton called me,” Harris said. “I’m like bro, there’s no way. I’m thinking I’m getting traded to the purgatory like we’re about to be trash in Seattle. I just remember this one feeling, like everyone staring at me. Man, like when I say I cried like a baby … I was like man, is this going to mess up everything with my family? We have it so good here.”
Harris played one season for the Seahawks and played the last 3 seasons for the Browns, including the last 2 years on a 2-year, $9 million contract. He has approximately $31.8 million in career earnings through the end of the 2025 season.
Harris Went From FCS Star to NFL Stardom
Harris started his college career at Wisconsin before transferring to Illinois State, where he was an All-Missouri Valley Conference selection in 2012.
He was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the 7th round (No. 234 overall) of the 2014 NFL draft despite being dismissed from the team at Illinois State before the 2013 season for “conduct detrimental to the team” and played his first 2 NFL seasons in Oakland.
Harris spent 2016 in training camp with the New York Jets and the practice squad with the Dallas Cowboys before catching on with the Broncos in 2017.
Harris played five seasons with the Broncos, including 2 seasons with 6.0 sacks each in 2019 and 2021. Harris had a solid season with the Seahawks in 2022 with 15 starts, 44 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks.
The Giants and new head coach John Harbaugh had Harris in for a visit on March 24.
“Veteran DL Shelby Harris is visiting the Giants today, sources say,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo wrote on his official X account on March 24. “The 11-year veteran, still going strong after playing all 17 games for the Browns last season, is an option for John Harbaugh & Co. to add experience up front on defense.”
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