Contract extension talks between the Broncos and cornerback Chris Harris have “stalled a bit,” an NFL source tells ESPN’s Josina Anderson (via Twitter). The source went on to tell Anderson that the last communication between the two sides took place about a week ago.
Earlier this month it was reported that Denver was discussing a new deal with their star cornerback, who is set to hit the open market following the season. While he might not be garnering as much attention as fellow pending free agents Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas, Harris has become an integral part of the Broncos’ defense and has established himself as one of the league’s top-end cornerbacks.
Pro Football Focus’ metrics (subscription required) actually cast Harris as the NFL’s best cornerback in 2014, with a +17.3 cumulative rating. Quarterbacks have tried the 25-year-old 54 times this season but have connected just 26 times. In total, Harris has surrendered 193 yards and zero touchdowns. PFF’s ratings aren’t nearly as fond of Joe Haden (No. 47) and Patrick Peterson (No. 85), both of whom recently signed hefty contract extensions with their respective clubs. Peterson’s July deal, a five-year, $70MM pact, made him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL.
Harris, who suffered a torn ACL in 2013, is earning just $2.187MM this season. Needless to say, he’s in line for a significant pay bump.
LOL its all starting to unravel for this dirty club!