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Chris Harris Jr.'s contract negotiations have been the distraction the Broncos never wanted this offseason. Harris has, so far, skipped team workouts while holding out his desired new deal, which has been reported to be $15 million per year.
The good news, though, is Broncos insider Mike Klis reported yesterday the team and Harris' agent have exchanged contract offers. The bad news, though, is those offers are still far apart.
Harris is looking for a deal that will pay him what he wants or a trade to a team that will meet his demand. The Broncos have no desire to trade Harris, who has played in Denver for eight seasons and made four Pro Bowls.
But the team took a step in resolving the contract impasse by giving Fred Lyles, Harris’ agent, a first offer this week.
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Harris’ $8.5 million annual average salary ranks only 25th in the NFL among players at his position, trailing even Kareem Jackson, whom the Broncos signed in free agency. Jackson has never made the Pro Bowl.
He signed that deal back in 2014, on what many considered, even then, a hometown discount. Now, he just wants to be paid his worth. The only problem is his age.
Harris, 30, is getting older, and the Broncos have been hesitant — perhaps rightfully so — to commit large sums of cash to an older player, even if he is one of the best the team has had.
Harris is due to make $7.8 million in base salary this season in the final year of his deal.
