Sources: Broncos never offered Chris Harris Jr. extension past 2019
May 24, 2019, 2:31 PM | Updated: May 28, 2019, 6:48 am
The Denver Broncos have at no point offered Chris Harris Jr. a contract extension beyond 2019 and have instead only negotiated with the All-Pro cornerback on a pay increase for this upcoming season, sources have told 104.3 The Fan host Zach Bye.
Sources with knowledge on the subject told Bye a deal that would net Harris a pay raise is imminent, but the Broncos have not at any point talked about extending the cornerback past the 2019 season.
“Broncos fans need to relish watching Chris Harris Jr. play for 16 more games because this is probably it,” Bye said Friday afternoon during the “Stokley and Zach” program.
Harris, who is due to make $7.8 million in 2019, has opted thus far through to remain absent from team offseason workouts and OTAs as he seeks a new contract with the Broncos.
It is the final year on Harris’ current five-year, $42.5 million, which he signed in late 2014.
“I think that’s a win for him. I think it could be a big loss for the Broncos,” said Bye’s co-host, Brandon Stokley.
A four-time Pro Bowler and 2016 first-team All-Pro, Harris consistently ranks among the top of the NFL in cornerback performance.
However, Harris ranks 25th among all cornerbacks in average annual salary at $8.5 million, 11 spots lower than 2019 Denver free agent acquisition Kareem Jackson ($11 million).