Denver Broncos: Ranking each of the team’s free-agent losses

Replacement: A.J. Bouye

Not only did the Broncos lose Chris Harris, one of the best cornerbacks in team history, but he then signed with a division rival. This was easily the team’s biggest free-agent loss, even if it was a bit expected.

When the Broncos traded for A.J. Bouye, the writing was on the wall for Harris to start looking for a new home. He found that home with the Los Angeles Chargers, turning down bigger money offers to sign with them, likely because he wants to face his former team twice per season.

Harris was always available on gamedays and always brought consistency and solid play to the field, often shutting down some of the league’s best wideouts. In 139 career games with the Broncos, he had 20 interceptions, returning four for touchdowns.

But the true value of a cornerback is the stats you don’t see and that is because opposing teams start to shy away from throwing the ball in their direction. During the prime of his time in Denver, Harris was definitely that guy.

Now, worse than seeing Wolfe with the Ravens, the Broncos will see Harris twice a season as he lines up for the bitter rival Chargers. You know that he is just licking his lips for the first time Drew Lock comes his way with the football.

Harris seems to have left on bitter terms with the front office, but hopefully, when his playing career is done, that can all be patched up and he can retire as a Bronco and enter the team’s Ring of Fame.