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According to Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline, he is reporting that defensive lineman Shelby Harris would prefer to stay with the Broncos if they’re able to agree on a contract extension. He also notes that if Harris hits the open market that the Indianapolis Colts figures to be a strong contender for Harris’s services.
Sources tell PFN Insider @TonyPauline that @HawkeyeFootball OT Tristan Wirfs has told people he has yet to make a final decision.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) January 14, 2020
His mother has been a big factor in this decision, and she’s pushing her son to return to Iowa and finish his degree.https://t.co/EVjrv2GxF3
Here is the full quote on the subject from Tony Pauline in his latest article.
Shelby Harris could be another Denver defender on his way to free agency. I’m told Harris prefers to stay in Denver and would gladly re-sign with the club if the two sides come to a contract agreement. Otherwise, the feeling is Harris could land in Indianapolis if he hits the open market.
The wording here basically states that if the Broncos meet Shelby Harris’s asking price that he would prefer and gladly re-sign with the Broncos. However, if they not, he is at least one very interested party with a ton of cap space ready to pay him. So the ball is now in your court Mr. Elway.
Harris who will turn 29 prior to the start of the 2020 NFL season is coming off a career year for the Broncos in Vic Fangio’s defense. He totaled 49 tackles, 6 sacks, and 9 pass deflections. He has arguably been the Broncos best all-around defensive lineman for the past few years. Now, will the Broncos pay him for his contributions to their team? or allow him to hit the open market and pay elsewhere in 2020?
Personally, I don’t see Harris coming back. He is entering the downside of his career(the age 30 wall) and paying someone a big deal at that age is always risky. In the end, I think the Broncos choose to re-sign veteran Derek Wolfe instead who figures to be a little cheaper and allow Harris to test the market.
I do think there’s a small chance that Harris decides to re-sign with the Broncos after hitting the open market, but that does appear to be unlikely. All reports and rumors indicate that Harris figures to be paid and paid well this offseason. Also, with the Colts being rumored as an interested party with their loads of cap space, they can outbid the Broncos if they wanted too. So, I think that Harris has played his final snaps with the Broncos but we shall see how it all plays out.