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Best/Worst Case Scenarios for Denver Broncos 2021 Free Agents

By Noah Smith

Dec 22, 2019; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos free safety Justin Simmons (31) and strong safety Will Parks (34) in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2019; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos free safety Justin Simmons (31) and strong safety Will Parks (34) in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Broncos 2021 free agent: Shelby Harris, Defensive line

Before signing with the Denver Broncos, Shelby Harris had been cut numerous times by the Las Vegas Raiders, as well as by the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys. After being signed to a Reserve/Future’s contract by the Broncos, Harris has found his niche, and become one of the premier interior defensive linemen in the NFL.

In four years with the Broncos, Harris has 15.5 sacks, 27 tackles for loss, and 23 passes defended, per Pro Football Reference. Harris has become a do-it-all player for the Broncos’ front seven and is a vital part of their pass rush.

Harris tested the free-agent market in 2020 but returned to Denver on a one-year “prove it” deal. As Harris finds himself as a free agent again, he will certainly have offers from opposing teams to help provide pass-rushing help. The Broncos would be wise to extend Harris before free agency opens, and retain one of the key pieces of what could be a formidable pass-rushing unit.

Best Case Scenario: After first locking up Justin Simmons, George Paton commits to his in-house players and locks up Shelby Harris for the foreseeable future. Harris has found his role in the Broncos’ system and has become one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the NFL. Harris stays in the Mile High City where he is comfortable.

Worst Case Scenario: After a strong run in Denver, Harris decides to take his talents to a true contender looking for help along the defensive line. Harris will likely take less than average market value to play for a Super Bowl contender and will serve as a rotational piece.

My Prediction: Harris honors the Broncos’ commitment to him and his family, and resigns with the Broncos for slightly below market value. Harris re-signs on a three-year contract with an average salary of around $8 million, but laden with incentives to boost his total value to an average of $12 million per year.

This contract would put Harris in the middle tier of defensive end contracts, per Overthecap.

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