Last year, Chris Harris’ agent made it clear that he wanted the cornerback to be paid $15 million per year. He massively miscalculated his client’s market value.
Denver Broncos general manager John Elway countered by offering Harris a three-year, $36 million contract. That deal would have averaged $12 million per season. Harris declined and Elway decided to let him test the free agency market.
Harris became a free agent on Wednesday and he agreed to a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers. That deal is worth $17 million, according to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis, which is an average of just $8.5 million per year.
So by not accepting the Broncos’ offer last year, Harris ultimately had to settle for $3.5 million less per season. Harris can earn up to $2.5 million more in Los Angeles through incentives, but that would bring his total contract value to just $19.5 million over two years.
Harris could have earned more had he accepted Denver’s offer.
The Broncos, meanwhile, has completed a trade for former Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye. Denver is also bringing back cornerback De’Vante Bausby on a one-year tender and Bryce Callahan (foot) is expected to be healthy in time for the 2020 season.
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