Jerome Harrison finally broke free on another long run.
Disappointed with his role in the Cleveland Browns' offense this season, Harrison was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles on Wednesday for Mike Bell in an exchange of running backs.
"I think, first of all, a change of scenery might be good for both players," Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said, according to the team's official web site. "Mike Bell can fit their scheme. They're looking for a downhill runner between the tackles. They like to run the ball a lot. For us, Jerome, he's a quicker guy, he's athletic, (and) he can catch the football."
Roseman also said he had an "honest" discussion with Browns GM Tom Heckert, who held that post in Philadelphia, and came up with a deal that's "win-win" for both sides.
Harrison thought this season would be so much more after he rushed for a Browns-record 286 yards -- the third-most in NFL history -- against the Kansas City Chiefs last season and gained 561 yards in Cleveland's final three games. He figured he had finally proved himself worthy of being an every-down back, but the Browns obviously didn't think so when they traded for Peyton Hillis during the offseason and drafted Montario Hardesty in the second round.
On Sunday, Harrison gained just 6 yards on six attempts in a loss to the Atlanta Falcons. One week earlier, he didn't have a carry in a victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, playing only on special teams and in the game's three final plays when quarterback Seneca Wallace dropped to his knee and ran out the clock.
Harrison practiced with the Browns on Wednesday.
In recent days, Harrison refused to talk much about his lack of playing time. Last week, Browns coach Eric Mangini said Harrison wasn't in his "doghouse" and that the five-year veteran hadn't approached him about receiving more playing time.
Like Harrison, Bell's chances have been limited this season. He has rushed for just 28 yards on 16 carries.
The Eagles signed Bell to a one-year, $1.7 million deal as a restricted free agent to back up LeSean McCoy, but he was slowed by calf and hamstring problems during training camp. When Leonard Weaver suffered a knee injury, it was believed Bell might be able to play some fullback, but the Eagles signed Owen Schmitt.
Bell was with the New Orleans Saints last season, rushing for 654 yards and five touchdowns and winning a Super Bowl ring.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
