Chris Harris Jr. is continuing to let his unhappiness be known. The star cornerback will not report to the Broncos’ minicamp this week, according to Mike Klis of Denver 9News.
Klis writes that Harris is looking “to send a message he wants his contract reworked.” Harris also skipped the team’s voluntary offseason workouts earlier this month so this isn’t a huge surprise, but this is more significant. Since the team has a new coach in Vic Fangio, they’re allowed to hold this early minicamp and have actual practices, which is much different from the conditioning workouts he had previously missed.
It shows that Harris isn’t missing around, and is an indication he could be prepared to extend his holdout into this summer. Despite the absences, Harris told Klis in an interview that it isn’t going to impact his play. “I’m ready,’’ Harris said. “This is easily going to be my best year this year.” Harris is heading into the final year of his contract, and is set to make $7.9MM in 2019.
The four-time Pro Bowler feels he’s underpaid, and wants a longterm commitment from the team especially since he’s being asked to do more after the departure of Aqib Talib last offseason. Although we heard in early March that there had been “very productive” talks between the two sides, Klis reports that “there have been no negotiations since Harris decided two weeks ago to stay away from the team.” This will be a situation to monitor as the offseason progresses.