Clough: Tough for Broncos to trade Chris Harris Jr ‘when he can still play’

During a pre-draft press conference on Tuesday, Denver Broncos general manager John Elway said the club has not entertained the idea of trading Pro Bowl cornerback Chris Harris Jr. despite a contract dispute between both sides.

“I haven’t even thought about that, so no. We have not gotten there,” Elway said. “Like I said, we’ll talk about Chris’ contract when the draft’s over and see what they’re looking for.”

However, the Broncos’ tune may have changed after Harris issued an ultimatum late Tuesday night, requesting either a new contract or to be traded.

On Wednesday, 9News’ Mike Klis reported that Denver not only has received calls about Harris’ availability via trade going back as far as a week but that the Broncos would “listen to trade offers.”

Sandy Clough, however, said Tuesday night that he believes the Broncos would not let a player of Harris’ ability go if at all possible.

“I don’t think you trade Chris Harris when he can still play. I don’t think you trade Von Miller when he can still play,” Clough said. “And I believe Vic Fangio when he very purposefully names only four Broncos defensive players. Identifies them specifically by name. That’s it.

“Just the four. Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, Chris Harris Jr. and Justin Simmons. That’s the core of the defense, and that’s Vic Fangio saying it. That’s not Sandy Clough saying it.”

However, Clough said it would be wise for Denver to consider taking a cornerback in this week’s upcoming NFL Draft.

“The Broncos might have to think about drafting a corner, if not in the first round then early in the draft,” Clough said.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.