With the NFL Draft just days away, Denver Broncos star cornerback Chris Harris Jr. has told the team he demands a new contract or trade. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Harris has spent his entire seven-year career with the Broncos after joining them as an undrafted free agent in 2011. The 29-year-old Harris is entering the final year of his five-year, $42.5 million contract with the Broncos. As always, when it comes to trades, they are never any fun if landing spots are not speculated beforehand. Here are four teams that should consider trading for Harris.
Broncos’ Pro-Bowl slot CB Chris Harris has requested a new contract or a trade, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 24, 2019
Chris Harris of the Denver Broncos Ignites Contractual Fire
The consensus amongst those in the know is that Harris is seeking an average salary of around $15 million in his new deal. Follow-up reports were firm in saying that the Broncos will not go to that extent to retain Harris. Subsequent to that, Broncos GM John Elway stated in a press conference earlier this week that the team will discuss a new deal for Harris, but added that it does not mean anything will happen.
Often times when there is a contract dispute like this, negotiations are either halted until the following year’s free agency period (see Le’Veon Bell), or the player is traded (see Khalil Mack or Frank Clark). With the way this dispute looks to be headed, Chris Harris may be looking at a trade. Now, it is time to look at which teams should have some interest in Harris.
Indianapolis Colts
Though the Indianapolis Colts defense was stellar in 2018, there is always room for improvement on any NFL roster. The Colts are no exception. Indianapolis has more than enough ammunition to pry Harris away from Denver and it also has more than enough salary cap space to give Harris the contract he desires.
San Francisco 49ers
Outside of Richard Sherman, the San Francisco 49ers defensive secondary is lacking. Defensive backs outside of Sherman such as Jimmie Ward and Adrian Colbert make plays occasionally, but big plays on defense need to be made consistently to ensure success. Just ask the 2018 Chicago Bears. Enter Harris, an instant upgrade over Ahkello Witherspoon at cornerback opposite Richard Sherman. Harris and his desired $15 million salary would also be affordable for the 49ers.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals have undoubtedly been the center of attention this offseason following the hiring of Kliff Kingsbury as head coach, with rumors of the team planning to select Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray with the first overall pick. If the Cardinals like having all eyes on them, they can keep themselves under the spotlight after the draft by trading for Chris Harris. Like their rival 49ers, Arizona has a lot of question marks in the secondary outside of the number one corner in Patrick Peterson. Swinging a deal for Harris would provide Arizona with a suddenly very talented cornerback group.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills have quietly had the most productive offseason in the NFL by far. Buffalo has added a whopping 19 players in free agency, with more to come in the draft. The Bills did sign cornerbacks Kevin Johnson and E.J. Gaines in free agency, but those two guys are most likely competing for a roster spot all offseason, leaving Buffalo without a formidable starter opposite Tre’Davious White. With an opportunity to bolster one of the NFL’s best secondaries even more, why say no to upgrading with Chris Harris? A secondary consisting of Tre’Davious White, Harris, E.J. Gaines, Kevin Johnson, Taron Johnson, Micah Hyde, and Jordan Poyer is sure to keep offensive coordinators up all night.
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