Charles Harris was a failed first-round draft pick with his career on the line and heading to his third team for the third straight year when the Detroit Lions signed him in 2021. He resurrected his career that season, leading the Lions with 7.5 sacks and setting career highs in tackles (65), tackles for loss (10) and quarterback hits (16).
Harris’ progress earned him a two-year guaranteed contract in 2022. However, his 2022 season was shortened (six games played) due to injury and he was unable to make an impact when he was on the field (one sack).
Last season, the Lions were constantly looking for pass-rush help from the edge opposite Aidan Hutchinson, and Harris sat out for the first time in Week 7 for health reasons before playing 65 defensive snaps the rest of the season (11 snaps in three-plus games from Week 13 through the playoffs).
That Harris was deemed incapable of helping a Lions pass rush that needed all the help it could get says it all, and it also explains why Harris is still available as the team reports to training camp.
Pro Football Network’s Dallas Robinson named one free agent each AFC team is still available to sign, naming the Las Vegas Raiders and Harris as his picks.
“Charles Harris saw his snap count with the Lions drop off sharply last year and was injured in 2022, but he recorded seven sacks in 2021 and ranked 20th in pass rush win percentage among edge rushers.”
“Having a veteran like Harris around might give the Raiders more comfort in giving Crosby a rest every now and again.”
It’s fair to say Harris’ playing time for the Lions dwindled last year — he was a total non-entity from December through the playoffs, and really going back to when he was first suspended for health reasons.
Harris’ career is in jeopardy, just like it was when he signed with the rebuilding Lions. There are better options the Raiders could consider adding at edge rusher, but this time they could be the team that gives his career a helping hand.
Next. Detroit Lions 53-man roster projections for 2024 training camp. Detroit Lions 53-man roster projections for 2024 training camp. Dark
