Stokley: Chris Harris Jr. must continue to prove himself to Broncos
Mar 1, 2019, 4:59 PM | Updated: Mar 4, 2019, 8:01 am
The Denver Broncos and representatives for cornerback Chris Harris Jr. have had “very productive” talks about a contract extension, Denver 7 Insider Troy Renck reported Sunday night.
But if the veteran cornerback wants to stay in Denver, “Stokley and Zach” co-host Brandon Stokley said on Friday, he’ll have to continue to prove himself year after year as he grows older.
“It doesn’t matter what you did five years ago, two years ago, one year ago. It matters what you do this year,” Stokley said. “So, look, he’s been great, but he’s still got to prove that he can play at a high level at age 30. You just can’t give away contracts and money on what you did a few years ago.”
When players get to a certain age, Stokley said, they have to prove they can still “play at a high level, especially if you want to get paid and get an extension or a new contract.”
“When you get later in your career, every single year you have to prove your worth when you get up there and you become a veteran,” Stokley said. “… Every year, it doesn’t matter what you did before.
“Obviously, you were pretty good because you survived that long. But now, you’ve got to prove every year your worth and your value. And if you don’t do it, then teams will move on and they’ll go for the younger, cheaper guy.”
Harris, who turns 30 in June, has consistently been one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL since stepping into a regular starting role in 2012.
According to Pro Football Focus, Harris graded out as the third-best cornerback in the league in 2018 despite missing four games due to a fractured fibula.
In his eight seasons in the NFL, all with the Broncos, Harris has netted 19 interceptions for four touchdowns, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 4.5 sacks, and 80 passes defensed.
Harris, who signed a $42.5 million contract with Denver in 2015 per Spotrac.com, will earn $7.8 million in base salary next season, the final of his remaining deal before he’s set to hit free agency in 2020.
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.
