The Broncos have added $3MM in incentives to the contract of cornerback Chris Harris, Jr. for 2018, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets. Originally slated to make no more than $8.5MM, the corner can now earn up to $10.5MM in 2018. 
It’s somewhat rare for GMs to add incentives to a player’s contract without getting something in return, but it’s completely unprecedented by John Elway‘s administration. This marks the first time that Elway has improved a player’s contract with the addition of bonuses without getting something else (additional years or a lower guarantee) in return.
In 2017, Harris turned in another quality year with 40 tackles, two interceptions and seven passes defensed as he graded out as the 29th best corner in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus. He has done even better in the past, however, grading out as a top five corner in both 2014 and 2016.
The Broncos also have Harris under contract for the 2019 season with a $8.766MM cap hit. However, if the Broncos choose to part ways with him next year, they can escape with just $867K in dead money.Right now, it’s hard to envision a scenario in which the Broncos would want to cut Harris.
The gum balls and lemon drops sweetened this deal for sure.
Strictly speaking, Elway does get something out of this. When the next player in line has his hand out for the $ John can say “Well, you know I would just love to meet your demands, but heck I just gave Chris a little something extra and wouldn’t you know it, I’m a bit short right now”.
It’s cuz he came in to place eating top ramen and 7 years later he still has the same hungry guts as a player. It’s good to see JE reward people once in a while for consistency. Might be making an example of sorts.