With the draft over, it’s time for the Broncos to deal with pressing matters
May 1, 2019, 8:58 AM | Updated: May 2, 2019, 9:09 am
Broncos fans were anxiously waiting for the 2019 NFL Draft. Not only for the talent that could be had during the process, but also for the aftermath in terms of dealing with All-Pro cornerback Chris Harris Jr.
Ever since the 2019 Scouting Combine in February, Broncos general manager John Elway has emphasized that working on any sort of extension would happen “after the draft.” That timing seemed to be a point of contention for Harris; multiple times on social media, he has aired his displeasure. In fact, Harris has not been in attendance for voluntary minicamp so far this offseason.
At his post-draft press conference, Elway reiterated what he’s been saying all along.
“As I said, now that the draft’s over, we’ll make contact and we’ll touch base with them and see where they are,” Elway said at his post-draft press conference on Saturday afternoon. “There was no contact with Chris or about Chris today, and so we’ll continue down that path and see what happens.”
All of which begs one question: When is “after the draft” exactly?
I know that’s technically right now, but all reports have indicated the Broncos have not yet reached out to Harris or his agent. On Tuesday, NFL Network’s James Palmer put out this somewhat disheartening tweet.
It’s only a few days after the draft, but my understanding is contract talks have not begun with Chris Harris Jr and the Broncos. It’s still early obviously. There are still teams interested in him, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he gets moved either. Just waiting and watching
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) April 30, 2019
The draft only wrapped a few days ago, but one would hope that the Broncos would have already reached out and at least set something up with their disgruntled cornerback. They could make a call this week, meet next week and perhaps have a deal in place soon after that.
Harris may want to make more money annually than the current top paid cornerback – Josh Norman, who averages $15 million per year on his deal with the Redskins. That may be a little out of the range for what the Broncos want to spend, but perhaps a more plausible number is easy to reach.
Earlier this offseason, the Broncos signed veteran cornerback/safety Kareem Jackson to a three-year deal worth $33 million, with an average annual salary of $11 million. That contract included $23 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $9 million.
Based on those numbers, it’s fairly easy to find a structure for Harris.
The Broncos should pay him somewhere around $13 million annually, with more than $25 million guaranteed and a signing bonus in excess of $10 million.
Yes, the Broncos only have around $3 million in cap space after the rookie class is signed (with Harris counting for $8.5 million against the cap). But next year, they are set to have more than $50 million in space. That’s plenty to get something done with Harris and make him one of the five highest-paid corners in the league.
So, it’s after the draft. What are you waiting for Elway?
