Broncos & CB Chris Harris Still Haven’t Begun Contract Talks

According to NFL Media’s James Palmer, the Broncos and CB Chris Harris still have not open talks regarding a potential contract extension. 

Palmer says it’s still early, as the draft ended only three days ago and Broncos GM John Elway previously said he wouldn’t look at the possibility of a new contract for Harris until after the draft. 

However, Palmer mentions there are still teams interested and watching the situation in case Harris becomes available.

There were conflicting reports about the amount of trade interest in Harris during the draft. Tensions also appear to be rising between the two sides. 

Harris has been vocal throughout the offseason about his desire for either a new contract or trade. He’s reportedly is asking in the neighborhood of $15 million per season. 

Harris has clearly outplayed his contract and is in line for a sizeable extension at some point. While it would be difficult for the Broncos to move on without Harris, who is by far their best cornerback, they won’t pay that much to keep Harris, according to Mike Klis.

Harris, 29, wound up signing on with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent out of Kansas back in 2011. He has played all seven years of his NFL career in Denver.

Harris is entering the final year of his five-year, $42.5 million contract that included a $10 million signing bonus and stands to make a base salary of $7.8 million for the 2019 season.

According to OverTheCap.com, trading Harris would free up $7.9 million of available cap space while creating $866,668 in dead money. 

In 2018, Harris appeared in 11 games for the Broncos and recorded 48 tackles, one sack, three interceptions returned for a touchdown and 10 pass defenses.

We’ll have more regarding Harris as the news is available.