What does Chris Harris Jr.’s contract have to do with Kareem Jackson?
What does Chris Harris Jr.’s new contract have to do with Kareem Jackson, one of the team’s top free agent acquisitions in 2019?
The Denver Broncos signed veteran defensive back Kareem Jackson to a free agent contract on the first day of the 2019 legal negotiating period between players and teams.
Jackson’s contract is worth $33 million over three years but he was paid roughly $12 million in 2019 alone — $3 million in guaranteed base salary and a $9 million prorated signing bonus.
That helps explain why Chris Harris Jr. wanted to get his status back as the highest paid defensive back on the team.
Or does it?
This thought process might require some more explanation on Harris’ part.
How could his desire to be the highest-paid cornerback not have anything to do with Kareem Jackson?
Maybe Harris means it’s nothing personal against Jackson, but he definitely cares about his status. Harris also was very aware that he is the fourth-highest paid cornerback in the NFL this year and that he wants to be number one next year.
I’m sure more players are aware of where they stand than we think but most of these guys just don’t vocalize it. Look at pretty much every quarterback contract as a way to point out guys who are clearly concerned with the status that comes along with their contract AAV.
Harris has a Super Bowl title. He is also finally starting to get national recognition as one of the best players in the league at his position. Now, he wants the paycheck to come along with that status.
As I have stated before and will repeatedly state — there is nothing wrong with that.
In fact, more power to Chris for it if and when he can get the money he wants.
But the fact that this holdout had a lot to do with Kareem Jackson’s contract and the disrespect Harris felt at not being the highest paid defensive back on the team makes it very interesting how he worded his comments to Mike Klis.
Next. Chris Harris Jr. new contract impact on and off the field. dark
It will be interesting to see how this situation affects these guys on the field, as the Broncos gave Harris more money and the status he desired on this team as the highest paid at his position.