The Broncos have several key free agents to take care of, with Von Miller and Justin Simmons getting the most attention out of that crop, as Miller is one of the franchise’s all-time players and Simmons currently projects to be the future face of the franchise if he isn’t already.
Those aren’t the only key free agents the Broncos will have to make decisions on though. Their leading receiver last season, leading rusher over the past three seasons, and their best player at multiple defensive positions are set to experience some form of free agency. Of those defensive stars not named Simmons or Miller, Shelby Harris is easily the most valuable, but he might not be on the team next season.
Fortunately for Broncos fans, Pro Football Focus’ analysts believe the Broncos will eventually get a deal done with the oft-underrated defensive lineman.
PFF’s Anthony Treash has the two sides agreeing on a three-year deal worth $33.38 million with $16.5 million of that guaranteed.
“New general manager George Paton has publicly mentioned how Harris is a priority re-sign, and the Broncos easily have the cap space for it,” Treash wrote. “Harris didn’t emerge in the NFL ranks until his fourth NFL season — and first with Denver — back in 2017. He has logged at least 390 snaps in each of his four years with the Broncos, providing uber-productive play when on the field. He is tied for 10th in PFF grade among interior defensive linemen over that span.
“Harris is an effective player at both 0- and 3-technique,” Treash continued. “He has primarily played defensive tackle in Denver (84.8 PFF grade at that alignment) but found immense success at nose tackle, where he earned an elite 91.3 PFF grade across 313 such snaps.”
While bringing Harris back does appear to be a priority for the Broncos, Paton clearly has some priorities ranked ahead of him, and this year cap space isn’t plentiful. While it’s promising to see Harris projected to re-sign with the Broncos, don’t be surprised if Denver lets him walk.
