Broncos Sign Chris Harris to 5-year Extension
Dec 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) intercepts a pass intended for Buffalo Bills wide receiver Robert Woods (10) in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Bills 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
The fear of losing Chris Harris is now gone.
The Denver Broncos locked up one of the best lockdown cornerbacks in the NFL to a 5-year, $42.5 million contract, with $24 million guaranteed late Friday afternoon (Dec. 12).
Next on the to-do list for John Elway and the front office is receiver Demaryius Thomas. With the cap space set to increase for the 2015 season, Denver will be able to make that happen. But this is about Harris.
As I have stated before, he’s the best cornerback in the game, so it was a must to get this done.
In any other industry, this would be called a “Friday News Dump.” Regardless, it’s great news for Broncos Country, the Broncos and Harris. It’s awful news for the rest of the NFL.
"“Blessed to be in Denver 5 more years, thanks to all my teammates and fans for the love and support. #NoFlyZone #BroncosUp.” Harris said on Twitter."
Harris is one of two cornerbacks over each of the last three seasons to be ranked in the top eight by Pro Football Focus. There are six cornerbacks to have at least three interceptions every season since 2012: Richard Sherman, Patrick Peterson, Joe Haden, Antonio Cromartie and Harris.
What’s amazing to think is Harris was an undrafted free agent out of the University of Kansas in 2011. In that draft, 36 cornerbacks were selected. Harris’ original signing bonus was $2,000.
Since then, he’s done anything and everything he could to get to where he is now. He’s a “film ninja” as CBS4’s Vic Lombardi said on Twitter. Harris also took advantage of playing with and learning from one of the best to ever play the position, Champ Bailey.
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The best thing we can say about Harris is he’s Bailey on but also off the field.
Unlike most defensive backs in the NFL, Harris let’s his play on the field talk for him. Just as Bailey did.
You will not see him take the shameful route of some other corners who always are mentioned before him. Harris has more pride than that.
Think you’re the best.
Say you’re the best.
But when you come off like an arrogant jerk, you don’t do yourself any favors.
Harris has too much respect for himself to do that. He has too much respect for the Broncos. He wants his play to talk for him. And so far this season, no one is doing it better or more consistently.
Since he doesn’t rush for the closest microphone most don’t know that. However it’s possible, some don’t know who he is. That explains why Harris wasn’t even in the top 10 for cornerback Pro Bowl voting by fans earlier this week.
What matters is that Broncos Country, the Broncos and the teams who face Harris know the truth.
Now he has the contract to prove it.
Dec 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) grabs the legs of Buffalo Bills quarterback Kyle Orton (18) for a sack in the fourth quarter Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Bills 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports