Chris Harris Jr. loves playing for the Denver Broncos. Despite their performance during the last few seasons, Harris has been a pillar within Denver’s locker room for some time now.

After the Broncos parted ways with wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders at the trade deadline, attention shifted towards Harris as the next Bronco to be potentially on the trading block.

That said, the deadline passed without a deal in place for Harris, who will now represent the orange and blue through the rest of the season and possibly beyond.

“Definitely relieved and happy to be able to finish the year here,” Harris said. “That’s what I wanted. That was the goal at the beginning of the year to finish the year here and see what happens at the end of the year.”

Harris renegotiated his contract with the Broncos in the offseason, allowing him to play one season at an inflated rate after taking a discount in his previous contract. While the future is unknown regarding Harris, there is an expectation that he could be back in Denver following this season.

“Like I said—I’ve answered this probably 100 times—we’ll wait until after the end of the year to make my decision on what I want to do with my future and go with that.” Harris said.

While Harris has downplayed his impending free agency, two things are certain: He wants to secure a nice payday and keep his family stable.

Harris is one of the four remaining players from the Broncos Super Bowl 50 roster and is a great veteran leader within the locker room. There is no denying Harris’ affinity for Denver, leaving the door open for a possible contract extension.

President of Football Operations and General Manager John Elway said earlier this season that the Broncos would welcome the idea of bringing Harris back on a new deal, something that Harris takes as a positive.

“It’s a lot better from what I’ve heard in the past, so definitely,” Harris said. “To know that they want me to be here, that’s big for me. As a player, you always want to feel appreciated, and you want to feel like the work that you put on the field is noted and appreciated.”

Harris will not take a hometown discount this time around and will be looking to secure one last sizeable payday as he enters his 30s. Should Denver want to re-sign him, it will have to be for or around market value.