Kiszla: Why Broncos won’t draft Dwayne Haskins at No. 10, if John Elway recalls how Dan Reeves backstabbed him By Mark Kiszla Denver Post April 24, 2019
Unless John Elway wants his membership card in the NFL quarterback fraternity revoked, the Broncos won’t select Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins or any other QB with the 10th overall pick in the draft.
Oh, Haskins would be tempting, if available for the taking at No. 10. He can sling it. But a linebacker, whether it is Devin White of Louisiana State or Devin Bush of Michigan, makes much more sense for the Broncos.
Why? We’ve got plenty of reasons.
But let’s start with the one absolute truth Elway uttered Tuesday, during a pre-draft press conference full of little white lies and tall tales.
It started with a look of consternation on Elway’s face when he was reminded of the 1992 NFL draft that saw Broncos coach Dan Reeves do the unthinkable. The Broncos selected UCLA quarterback Tommy Maddox in the first round, as a challenger to the Duke of Denver.
“I was standing at the baggage claim at (the airport), and we needed a wideout,” recalled Elway, who guessed the Broncos would make Tennessee receiver Carl Pickens their top pick in 1992. “I said: ‘Oh, Pickens must have been gone.’ He didn’t go until the second round.”
You better believe Elway was ticked. He took the knife out of his back. But the relationship between Reeves and Elway slowly bled to death.
“How’d that work out?” Elway asked.
“Pretty good for you,” I told Elway.
“Yeah, well,” Elway replied. He can laugh about it all now. Elway won the power struggle with Reeves, and went on to win two championships long after Maddox also departed Denver.
If the Broncos want to give veteran Joe Flacco any real chance to succeed as their starting quarterback, Elway will not undercut Flacco’s authority and create a circus in training camp by selecting a QB at No. 10.
What’s more: Maybe it’s crazy optimism speaking, but Elway truly believes Denver can win a championship with Flacco. “Joe has done it,” said Elway, more comfortable with a veteran QB that’s a proven winner. “He’s won a Super Bowl, and so he knows what it takes.”
OK, we all understand Elway is not done looking for a franchise quarterback. Flacco, however, allows the Broncos to be patient in the search.
Even if Elway were to make a bold move to acquire a second first-round pick to nab Missouri’s Drew Lock in this year’s draft, as has been the recent buzz among draftniks, or waits until Day 3 in the hope Boise State’s Brett Rypien remains available, it doesn’t really matter. The starting quarterback in 2019 is Flacco, for better or worse.
Elway celebrates his 59th birthday this summer and his internal clock is ticking. He wants to win now, because if the losing continues in Denver, Elway might leave the winning-from-now-on-stuff to the franchise’s next director of football operations. New coach Vic Fangio didn’t wait until age 60 for his first head-coaching gig to implement a slow rebuild that would be hazardous to his job security.
Elway hired Fangio to return the defense to its status as the league’s best. So who will be the best defensive player available at No. 10? Everybody, including the Broncos scouting staff, is trying to sift kernels of truth from a barn-load of balderdash in the hours prior to the draft.
Here’s my dream scenario for Denver on the draft’s opening night:
It’s generally believed both White, whose toolbox makes him a three-down linebacker, and Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver, the 2017 Outland Trophy winner, will be off the board before the Broncos pick. The tea leaves in my cup, however, show a 25-30 percent chance of either White or Oliver slipping to Denver, a happy occurrence that would make the first-round selection a no-brainer for Elway.
Now let’s examine what’s more likely to happen for the Broncos:
Bush, whose lack of ideal height for a pro linebacker is offset by sideline-to-sideline speed, should be there when the Broncos are on the clock at No. 10. Should Haskins also be available at that point, rather than taking him, Elway might be wise to start a rapid-fire bidding war among Cincinnati (which owns the No. 11 pick), Miami (No. 13) and Washington (No. 15). Maybe one of those QB-needy franchises would make the Broncos an offer they cannot refuse, and Elway could walk away smiling, with the knowledge he had fleeced a team for additional draft choices, putting Denver closer to playoff contention.
Broncos cornerback Chris Harris demands new contract or trade to another team By Ryan O’Halloran Denver Post April 24, 2019
Broncos general manager John Elway’s message regarding a possible contract extension for cornerback Chris Harris remained consistent Tuesday: Contract talks won’t begin until after this weekend’s NFL draft.
“I don’t have time right now,” Elway said during his predraft news conference. “We’re busy with the draft.”
That response didn’t sit well with Harris’ camp.
Late Tuesday night, ESPN, citing a league source, said Harris has requested a “new contract or a trade.” Harris has stayed away from the offseason program because he wants a new contract, but the story took a new turn with a trade demand.
A league source said Harris’ camp informed the Broncos of the ultimatum on Tuesday night.
Hours earlier, Elway said of trading Harris: “I haven’t even thought about (that). We haven’t gotten there. Like I said, we’ll talk about Chris’ contract when the draft’s over and see what they’re looking for.”
The Broncos hold all of the cards in this standoff. Harris is under contract and Elway is under no obligation to trade him if he feels a suitable offer doesn’t materialize this weekend. Elway could simply call Harris’ bluff and challenge him to play out this year.
If he is not traded and does not receive an extension from the Broncos, Harris could risk losing millions of dollars in salary by sitting out the season in protest. Harris’ risk in that situation would be seeing his market value drop because he would be entering free agency at his age 31 season in 2020.
Cornerbacks age 30 or older don’t command the kind of money ($15 million according to a 9News report) Harris is seeking. The richest average salary for a cornerback at least 30 years old is new Broncos defensive back Kareem Jackson (age 31), whose new deal averages $11 million a season. The Broncos prioritized Jackson because he can play cornerback and safety.
What would Harris’ value be on the trade market? Earlier this month, a league source said it would be, “probably be similar to what (Aqib) Talib got them last year. Maybe a little more.”
Talib was traded to the Los Angeles Rams for a fifth-round pick. He had two years remaining on his contract.
Earlier Tuesday, Elway repeated his stance that the Broncos and Harris’ camp would talk after the draft, but added without prompting: “That doesn’t mean we’re going to do anything.”
Harris, who suffered a broken leg in last December’s win over Cincinnati and missed the final four games (all Broncos losses), has a 2019 salary cap number of $8,766,668, which is 24th in the league among cornerbacks.
Like coach Vic Fangio last week, Elway was asked if he was disappointed in Harris’ absence.
“It’s voluntary,” Elway said. “We appreciate the other guys that are here. They don’t have to be here.”
Receiver needs. Emmanuel Sanders posted video to Instagram last week of himself running (with the help of a specialized low-impact treadmill) for the first time since tearing his Achilles tendon in December. The 32-year-old pass catcher told reporters he expects to be ready by training camp. But Denver must also consider receiving options in the draft.
“Emmanuel says he feels good, you never know, so we’re hoping if there’s anybody who can come back, it can be him,” Elway said. “That’s why I feel good about where he is. We’re going to add more (receivers) for camp and hopefully we bring in a lot more competition there, too.”
Social impact. A modern issue facing draft prospects is increased scrutiny over social media use. Last year, former Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen was forced to apologize for racist tweets he posted as a high school student. In March, Ohio State edge rusher Nick Bosa told ESPN he deleted tweets from his past that supported President Donald Trump and criticized former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick to avoid potential backlash.
Elway was asked Tuesday whether he has been deterred by a draft prospect’s social media use.
“No. I don’t believe in social media,” Elway said. “It’s a good way to get a message out there, but as far as what’s out there, I try to take it with a grain of salt.”
Scout love. The Raiders made headlines last weekend when general manager Mike Mayock dismissed Oakland’s scouting department with the expectation they won’t return by draft time, per national media reports. Denver retained its scouting department under new coach Vic Fangio and Elway lauded their efforts.
“We’re very fortunate that we have a great staff of scouts,” Elway said. “They work very, very hard. And obviously one of the biggest parts of their job is the character side of it and digging deep into their background and finding out what kind of people they are. They’ve done a tremendous job.”
Broncos GM John Elway not tipping his hand at NFL draft strategy By Ryan O’Halloran Denver Post April 24, 2019
The Broncos followed an NFL rule on Tuesday that requires a team’s chief decision-maker to be available for a pre-draft news conference.
General manager John Elway climbed two steps up to the podium, looked at the assembled crowd and said: “Welcome to the most irrelevant press conference of the year.”
And with that, a 20-minute question-and-mostly-non-answer session was off and running, two days before the Broncos have the 10th overall pick. Most of Elway’s answers required reading between the words to make them relevant.
Elway is bullish on the impact new quarterback Joe Flacco can make this year, which suggests taking a quarterback in the first round isn’t a strong consideration.
Elway is fine with staying put at No. 10, which implies that teams inquiring about the pick aren’t offering much to move to that spot.
And Elway remains thrilled with the make-up and production of his 2018 draft class, made up of entirely seniors, perhaps signaling a continued emphasis on experienced players.
The primary issue, outside of who the Broncos will take, which Elway wouldn’t touch, was the possibility of moving out of the top 10. Oakland traded the 10th pick to Arizona last year (used to select quarterback Josh Rosen). In return, the Raiders received the Cardinals’ first- (No. 15), third- (No. 79) and fifth-round (No. 152) picks. That kind of deal, moving only five spots south and gaining a third-rounder, could be enticing to Elway if he believes the same quality of player can be had at No. 15.
Asked if he has a limit in how far he is willing to move down, Elway said: “We’ll see. It all depends on who wants to come up and what the compensation is. But I think there’s a certain level. Obviously, we’ll have a lot more information once we get to Thursday to find out where people sit. I’m fine at 10, too.”
Elway said receiving calls days ahead of the draft, “happens every year. Whether they want to move or not, they’re going to make some calls. … There’s been no compensation thrown out there as far as, “we’d like to come up to 10 for (this price).’ There’s been no compensation discussed.”
Elway doesn’t expect a team to leap-frog the Broncos. That generally happens in a race to get a quarterback. This year, Cincinnati (No. 11), Miami (No. 13) and Washington (No. 15) may be content to stay put if Dwayne Haskins, Drew Lock and Daniel Jones remain on the board after the first six picks.
Last year, Buffalo moved from No. 12 to No. 7 to take quarterback Josh Allen. Two years ago, Kansas City moved from No. 27 to No. 10 (giving up its 2018 first-round pick) to draft quarterback Patrick Mahomes. And three years ago, the Los Angeles Rams moved from No. 15 to No. 1 to select quarterback Jared Goff.
“I think everybody always talks about going back, but there’s never as much movement as you think there’s going to be,” Elway said.
Moving down could become an option for the Broncos if LSU linebacker Devin White is not on the board — he could go fifth to Tampa Bay. That could be one possible route to drafting Michigan linebacker Devin Bush, but a gamble nonetheless.
“I’m not going to talk about each individual player, but obviously he’s had a great college career and played very well,” Elway said. “I’m going to leave it at that.”
The Broncos have mostly left their draft board alone since completing it last week. That has created time for Elway and Co. to double- and triple-check information on potential prospects.
“You try to cover all of the different bases,” Elway said. “We’ll continue to play around with (the board) and look at different things. This is kind of the time where you’re hurry-up-and-wait. I’m getting anxious like everybody else.”
NFL Draft Preview: A look at five potential punt/kickoff returners By Ryan O’Halloran Denver Post April 24, 2019
BRONCOS STATUS
On the roster: Kicker — Brandon McManus. Punter — Colby Wadman. Long snapper — Casey Kreiter. Punt returners — River Cracraft and DaeSean Hamilton. Kick returners — Devontae Booker, Brendan Langley and River Cracraft.
Level of need: Low. The Broncos appear set with their punter-kicker-long snapper team since no competition has been signed. But the return game needs a boost, either from in-house options or through the draft/undrafted free agency. Last year, the Broncos ranked last in punt return average (4.4) and 27th in kick return average (20.1).
Top five returners Tony Pollard, Memphis
Listed at 5-11/210. Declared for draft as a fourth-year junior after graduating. … In 40 career games, returned seven kickoffs for touchdowns and averaged 30.1 yards on 87 attempts. … Two-time Special Teams Player of the Year in American Athletic Conference. … As a running back, carried 139 yards for 941 yards and nine touchdowns and caught 104 passes (nine touchdowns).
Diontae Johnson, Toledo
Listed at 5-10/183. … Declared for draft as a fourth-year junior. … Averaged 20.2 yards on 17 punt returns (13 returns in 2018) and 23.4 yards on 79 kick returns (two touchdowns). … As a receiver in 38 games, caught 137 passes for 2,276 yards and 24 touchdowns. … Mid-American Conference Special Teams Player of the Year in 2018. … Ran the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds at Combine.
Greg Dortch, Wake Forest
Declared for the draft as a third-year sophomore. … Finished 11th in FBS last year in punt returns (11- yard average on 25 attempts). … Second-team All-America as all-purpose player in 2018. … Listed at 5- foot-7/173 pounds. … As a receiver, had 142 catches for 1,800 yards and 17 touchdowns in 20 games. … Missed six games in 2017 (abdominal injury) and the 2018 bowl game (hand).
Parris Campbell, Ohio State
Listed at 6-0/205. … Third-team All-Big Ten in 2016 and second-team in 2017 as a return specialist. … Returned 30 kickoffs for a 30.4-average in career. … Caught 90 passes for 1,063 yards (12 touchdowns) as senior. … Ran the 40-yard dash in 4.31 seconds at Combine.
Deebo Samuel, South Carolina
Potential Day 2 pick. … Listed at 5-11/214. … Played only 30 games in four seasons, missing time in 2015 (hamstring) and 2017 (broken leg). … Returned 42 kickoffs for a 29-yard average and four touchdowns. … Caught 148 passes for 2,076 yards and 16 touchdowns (11 last year). … Ran the 40 in 4.48 seconds at Combine.
Broncos’ Von Miller won’t face charges for catching hammerhead shark off coast of Miami By Jackson Barnett Denver Post April 24, 2019
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller will not face charges for catching a hammerhead shark in March 2018 — an act that landed the boat’s owner and operator a $2,000 fine, according to a list of enforcement actions recently published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
While on a deep-sea fishing trip off the coast of Miami, Miller helped reel in a hammerhead shark and posed with it for photos posted to his social media. The operator and owner of the fishing vessel Spellbound were charged with not properly releasing the fish and shark fishing without a proper permit. TMZ first reported that Miller was not charged.
Harvesting hammerhead sharks is prohibited in Florida waters, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations. If a shark is accidentally caught, regulations require it be released in a way that ensures the highest chances of survival. The boat operator and owner did not follow those regulations, according to the charges.
Miller’s social media video shows him and others pulling the shark out of the water. Spellbound operators did not respond to an email requesting comment.
The investigation was started by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in April 2018 after an outcry from animal rights activists. The shark was around 9 1/2 feet long.
“We followed the rules and I did everything I was supposed to do,” Miller told reporters in April.
Chris Harris Jr. to Broncos: 'Pay me or trade me' By Mike Klis 9NEWS April 24, 2019
It is becoming increasingly possible Chris Harris Jr. has played his last game with the Denver Broncos.
Roughly 48 hours before the start of the NFL Draft, Harris’ agent Frederick Lyles notified the Broncos on Tuesday afternoon they would either like a new contract that exceeds $15 million per year, or they would like to be traded, sources told 9NEWS.
Harris has been absent from the Broncos’ offseason program since it began three weeks ago as a way to send notice he wants a new contract. He is currently in the final season of a five-year extension he received in December 2014.
Harris received a $1 million option in March and has another $7.9 million payout in 2019. Harris’ current deal ties him for 24th in the league in terms of annual average. Washington’s Josh Norman is the highest-paid corner at $15 million per year.
Precipitating Harris’ unofficial holdout is the Broncos signed free-agent Kareem Jackson to a three-year deal worth $11 million per year in March before the team addressed his deal. Jackson is 31, one year older than Harris. And Jackson has yet to be named to a Pro Bowl while Harris received four such honors.
Broncos general manager John Elway has repeatedly said he would address Harris’ contract after the draft. The Broncos have $11.7 million in cap space and less in their cash budget.
Elway reiterated his position Tuesday during his pre-draft press conference – while pointing out there's a difference between talking about a new deal and finalizing it.
“I don’t have time right now," Elway said when asked about Harris’ contract situation. “I’m busy with the draft. We’ll talk about Chris. He’s under contract, so we’ll talk about that when the draft is over.
“When I say this, I said we’re going to talk about it. It doesn’t mean we’re going to do it.”
A source told 9NEWS the Broncos will not meet Harris’ request of $15 million-plus. The team’s feeling is he’s under contract and the team is coming off back-to-back 5-11 and 6-10 seasons. As for Jackson, the Broncos paid him for his versatility -- he can play safety, outside corner and slot corner. Harris primarily plays outside corner although he is considered one of the league's best slot corners.
While the team may have been willing to give Harris a raise, it appears the cornerback has reached a point where he’s ready to move on.
The team did show goodwill last season by adding a $3 million incentive package on top of the $8.5 million Harris was already to receive. Harris earned $500,000 in incentives and was on pace to reach more until he suffered a leg fracture that caused him to miss the final four games.
Harris recovered in time to play in the Pro Bowl and he says he is 100 percent recovered as he trains in Dallas.
The draft is pretty much the end of the offseason trading window as draft picks are often included in deals, which explains the timing of the 'pay me or trade me' request. The Broncos are expected to listen to trade offers, although they reserve the right to not execute a deal if they don't get what they feel is fair value in return.
Trouble? Elway sends not-so-subtle message to Chris Harris Jr. By Mike Klis 9NEWS April 24, 2019
The Chris Harris Jr. contract impasse has progressed.
Progressed to where the situation now seems ominous.
John Elway, the Broncos’ general manager, has never backed down from a competition in his life – even if it’s competing over dollars with his own players.
Although Elway was able to reach settlements with previous Broncos contract holdouts Ryan Clady, Matt Prater, Demaryius Thomas and Von Miller, each of those players are low-key, peaceful souls.
There is a little more fire in Harris’ belly.
Harris has let it be known he’s not showing up to the Broncos’ offseason camp until he gets a new contract. And Elway sent a message to Harris during his pre-draft press conference Tuesday that he’ll deal with him when he’s good and ready.
“I don’t have time right now,’’ Elway said when asked about Harris’ contract situation. “I’m busy with the draft. We’ll talk about Chris. He’s under contract, so we’ll talk about that when the draft is over.’’
And then before he took the next question, Elway wanted to make one more point.
“When I say this, I said we’re going to talk about it. It doesn’t mean we’re going to do it.”
Uh oh.
Harris received a $1 million option bonus in March and has $7.9 million in 2019 payout left on his contract. It’s safe to assume Harris would at least want more than the $11 million per year deal the Broncos gave Kareem Jackson last month. Jackson has no Pro Bowls to Harris’ four, and Jackson at 31 is one year older.
But Elway also values Jackson’s flexibility – he can play safety, corner and nickel. One problem: The Broncos only have about $11.5 million in cap space and less than that available in their cash budget. To date, Elway is not planning on trading Harris as a means to resolving the issue.
“I haven’t even thought about that, so no,’’ Elway said. “We have not gotten there. Like I said, we’ll talk about Chris’ contract when the draft’s over and see what they’re looking for.”
Interior blocking need
Elway mostly skirted talk about individual players or positions of need, but he did admit he would be addressing the interior offensive line at some point in the draft.
“Yeah, I think we’re looking at it,’’ he said. “We have a lot of different combinations that we’re looking at. Obviously, with losing Matt (Paradis), we have some holes in there. We’re looking to try and do something there.”
Besides the center Paradis, the Broncos also lost guard-tackle Billy Turner to free agency. During their three-day minicamp last week, the Broncos lined up veteran Don Barclay at left guard, Connor McGovern at center and Sam Jones at right guard.
Bush or White
I’m hearing a few football folks – maybe not all, but some – inside Broncos’ headquarters consider Michigan’s Devin Bush a better inside linebacker than LSU’s Devin White.
Most mocksters have it the other way around.
Elway was asked about Bush’s size (smallish at 5-foot-11, 234) and ability.
“I’m not going to talk about each individual player, but obviously he’s had a great college career and played very well,’’ Elway said. “I’m going to leave it at that.”
Russell factor
It’s been clear during those war room shots in recent years that Matt Russell handles the mechanics of the Broncos’ draft.
Elway has called Russell, who officially carries the title of director of player of player personnel, his right- hand man.
“Matt has always been a big part of it and he’s always had a big voice,’’ Elway said. “He’s been right there. He’s running the personnel side, so he’s heavily involved on the pro side as well as the college side and the draft. Matt has always had a big voice with me and he’ll continue to have that.”
If Elway takes QB in first round, he would know more than anyone how Flacco would feel By Mike Klis 9NEWS April 24, 2019
John Elway heard Joe Flacco.
Sparing the accolades for another day, Elway is a former Broncos’ quarterback, Flacco is the current one.
When it comes to Elway, who is now the Broncos’ general manager, taking a quarterback with his No. 10 draft selection on Thursday, Flacco let it be known there would be better options.
“I want to get this team to be the best it is with me at quarterback," Flacco said last week. “So obviously that’s not of utmost importance to draft a quarterback."
Elway had no problem with Flacco’s chutzpah.
“I’m glad he (said) that," Elway said Tuesday at his pre-draft press conference at the team’s UCHealth Training Center. “I like that. I understand that. That’s what you want from your guy that is your starting quarterback right now. You want him to have that mentality. I thought those comments were fine."
Should Elway the GM take a QB at No. 10, he will know first-hand how Flacco would feel. In 1992, Elway had just finished his eighth season as the Broncos’ starting quarterback when Dan Reeves, the team’s head coach who had a tough time getting along with his franchise quarterback, took UCLA quarterback Tommy Maddox with the No. 25 overall pick in the first round.
“Yeah, I was standing at the baggage claim at (Stapleton Airport) and we needed a wideout," Elway said. “I said, ‘Oh (Carl) Pickens must’ve been gone.’ He didn’t go until the second round."
Was Elway upset about the Maddox pick?
“Sure. Yeah." Elway said. “How’d that work out?”
You could almost see Elway’s barrel chest grow. Maddox was a bust with the Broncos and several other NFL teams before he broke out with the XFL in 2000-01, and then had three nice seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2001-03.
Elway finished with back-to-back Super Bowl titles in 1997-98.
I don’t think Elway will take a quarterback at 10. But it’s possible. Elway said QBs Drew Lock, Dwayne Haskins and Daniel Jones are “on the board."
Joe Flacco will not be happy if Elway does take a QB in the first round. And Elway is glad Flacco won’t be happy.
Sources: Broncos' Harris wants new deal or trade By Jeff Legwold ESPN.com April 24, 2019
Denver Broncos Pro Bowl cornerback Chris Harris Jr. had made his desire for a new contract clear to team officials already this offseason, but less than 48 hours before the 2019 NFL draft begins, Harris has formally informed the Broncos he wants to be traded if the team doesn't give him that new deal, sources told ESPN on Tuesday night.
The ninth-year cornerback, who made the Broncos' roster as an undrafted rookie in 2011, is set to enter the final year of his current contract.
Harris has not attended the team's offseason program -- which is voluntary -- including the team's first minicamp last week.
Broncos president of football operations/general manager John Elway was asked earlier Tuesday, at the team's pre-draft media gathering, about the potential for a new deal for Harris or a trade of the four- time Pro Bowl selection.
"I haven't even thought about that, so no,'' Elway said. "We have not gotten there. Like I said, we'll talk about Chris' contract when the draft's over and see what they're looking for.''
Elway was also asked about Harris staying away from the team's offseason program and said: "It's voluntary. They're welcome to -- it's voluntary. We appreciate all of the other guys that are here that don't have to be here. I really appreciate them being here voluntarily and working on their game.''
Harris -- who turns 30 in June -- is now in the final year of a five-year, $42.5 million deal he signed in 2015 and would be an unrestricted free agent after the 2019 season. He has made no secret he is seeking a contract extension.
Earlier this offseason, he said: "It's late in my career and I can't waste any years anymore. It's time for me to win. I always wanted to retire here and finish my career here, but I'm ready to see what changes and things we do.''
Harris' value, as a defensive back who can line up in the slot, on the outside or even play safety if needed, was easy to see this past season. The Broncos had clawed their way back to 6-6 last season with a Dec. 2 victory at Cincinnati.
But Harris suffered a fractured lower leg in the game. He missed the final four games of the season, the Broncos lost all four to finish 6-10, and coach Vance Joseph and most of Joseph's staff were fired the day after the regular season ended.
Harris worked diligently during the team's fade down the stretch and said "I definitely could have played'' the regular-season finale -- Dec. 30 against the Los Angeles Chargers -- if the Broncos had remained in the playoff race. Harris did play in the Pro Bowl.
Last week, Broncos defensive coordinator Ed Donatell said Harris would fit the team's new defensive scheme whenever he arrived for the offseason workouts, minicamp or training camp.
"I think he's really easy to fit in 11-on-11 football because he's so competitive and so tough,'' Donatell said. "He can win his matchups, and so we're excited to get him back.''
Elway has said on multiple occasions -- including at the league's scouting combine in February, the league meetings in March and again Tuesday -- that he would like to try to work out a new deal for Harris after the draft. Harris' representatives and Elway did meet at the combine.
Harris, who has played in 123 games over the past eight seasons, is not expected to report to the team, however, without a new deal. He is the last remaining defensive back from the team's "No Fly Zone'' secondary that was a key part of the team's defense on the way to a Super Bowl 50 win.
The Broncos signed two defensive backs in free agency -- a three-year, $33 million deal for Kareem Jackson to go with a three-year, $21 million deal for Bryce Callahan.
The offseason workouts, per the league's collective bargaining agreement, are voluntary. The only part of the offseason work Harris could be fined for missing is the team's mandatory minicamp in June.
Callahan, who played for Donatell and new head coach Vic Fangio with the Bears, has been used in Fangio's defense in a role similar to the one Harris has played with the Broncos at times.
"We want him to help the other players, and he's an extension of us,'' Donatell said of Callahan's experience in the defense. "We've been teaching him for four years now, so he'll help the other guys and he'll answer questions. It gives us a chance to look at other guys when he's not in there, and that's why when we were down corners, we just got to look at some other guys to help our depth.''
And on Callahan's skill set, Donatell said last week: "He really has good speed, change of direction, balance, excellent ball skills, a really, really good leaper. He can really process fast on the field."
Denver Broncos could pick an inside linebacker named Devin By Woody Paige Colorado Springs Gazette April 24, 2019
Devin.
At approximately 7:45 on Thursday night Roger Goodell could announce: “With the 10th pick in the 2019 NFL draft, the Denver Broncos select Devin ...’’
Then the NFL commissioner would pause ephemerally.
Which last name — “White’’ or “Bush?’’
Whichever could become the best inside linebacker chosen by the Broncos in the first round since Dick Butkus (1968), Randy Gradishar (1974) and Al Wilson (1999). Wilson, who will be backstage in Nashville preparing to proclaim the Broncos’ second selection (Iowa tight end Noah Fant or Kansas State tackle Dalton Risner?), would be smiling, the same as Gradishar, John Elway and Vic Fangio in Denver.
Butkus wouldn’t be as thrilled. He signed a half-century ago with the NFL Bears instead of the AFL Broncos.
Intriguingly, LSU’s White won the most recent Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker, and Michigan’s Bush has been a Butkus finalist, and an All-American, the past two seasons.
Bush or White? Both are projected to be among the first dozen picks. They are so eerily similar.
White is a 6-foot, 237-pound prodigy who ran a 4.42 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He has a wing span of 75 7/8 inches, 9¾-sized hands and 32-inch arms. Bush (5-11, 234) ran the 40 in 4.43 seconds, and his measurements are 76 1/2, 9 5/8 and 32. Their drill stats in Indianapolis were close to identical.
Each is cornerback quick, reacts superbly to the pass and the run, can tackle, blitz and cover and will be a plug-and-play three-down inside linebacker as a rookie. Both were team captains, three-year starters and departed after their junior seasons for the pros. They are 21 this year.
Imagine either with Von Miller and Bradley Chubb.
The Broncos’ president of football operations wants to present his new coach with a defensive endowment at a position where the Broncos dearly need a wunderkind.
Quarterback must wait.
The Broncos will draft 1, but not No. 1. They likely will pass on a QB until perhaps the fourth round. They gave up another fourth-rounder to acquire veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, who the Broncos are hoping will play extremely well for two-three years. Elway was impressed during last week’s first view. “He can make all the throws — still has the strong arm — so Joe was very good in camp.’’
On Tuesday Elway wouldn’t admit to the Broncos’ plans for a backup QB, although he did tell me they will have “four in camp’’ as a result of the draft or another free agent signing.
Elway held his annual pre-draft gathering with the media, mandated by the league, and was in a rather jovial mood. “Welcome to the most irrelevant press conference of the year.’’
Early on, when asked about Bush (whose father played against Elway in Super Bowl 33), the Broncos’ Boss responded: “I’m not going to talk about each individual player, but obviously he’s had a great college career and played very well. I’m going to leave it at that.’’
The other Devin wasn’t discussed.
The most obvious question — “Who are the Broncos drafting’’ at 10 — was addressed, but Elway certainly was biting. “Don’t know yet,’’ he said, then flashed his famous molars.
At Mile High Noon he wasn’t giving away free lunches or free information.
Yet, John admitted he still is somewhat bitter over Dan Reeves shocking him and the NFL world by drafting quarterback Tommy Maddox in 1992’s first round.
“How did that work out?’’ John said sarcastically. Well, Maddox eventually did become the MVP of the XFL. John didn’t need a replacement. He played for seven more seasons.
It can be suggested he wouldn’t pull the same stunt on Flacco, but Elway did draft Brock Osweiler in the second round the same season Peyton Manning arrived in town.
Missouri’s Drew Lock has been an early, and often, mock draft choice nationally, and the Broncos did have extreme interest. But, with the addition of Bronco Joe, and despite the visits of Lock, Kyle Murray and Dwayne Haskins to Dove Valley, and a private workout of Daniel Jones, the sincere belief must be the Broncos will take on the second day someone of the Clayton Thorson-Jarrett Stidham ilk.
Elway, who said the franchise’s draft board has been complete for days, is “in a “hurry up and wait mode. I’m just as anxious as everybody else.’’
The wait begins to end Thursday night.
And the Broncos’ pick could be ...
Devin.
Broncos GM John Elway weighs in on Chris Harris Jr. situation, talks draft options By Nicki Jhabvala The Athletic April 24, 2019
Well, John Elway sure is happy to be here.
“Welcome to the most irrelevant press conference of the year,” he said looking out over a room of reporters two days before the start of the NFL Draft.
A chorus of laughs ensued as Elway threw out a disclaimer — “Just so you guys know, we’re abiding by the league rules” — to set the table for a question-and-answer session about his draft plans.
Elway kept his cards close to the vest, refusing to dive into any specific player evaluations and admitting nearly every option is still on the table.
But here’s what he did say Tuesday about the upcoming draft, his new starting quarterback, what may or may not happen with his star cornerback and much more:
• The most notable takeaway wasn’t about the draft or quarterbacks, a topic that is so often relevant for the Broncos at this time of year. It was about cornerback Chris Harris Jr., who has remained in Dallas for the offseason program and voluntary minicamp to dispute his contract.
Harris has one year remaining on his contract but made it clear at the end of last season he would like more financial security. Elway has remained steadfast that he would address Harris’ contract situation after the draft. Doing so leaves open the possibility the Broncos could add to the cornerbacks room or even be presented an option to move Harris.
When asked why he has insisted on waiting until after the draft to discuss Harris’ deal, Elway was direct.
“I don’t have time right now,” he said. “We’re busy with the draft and we’ll talk about Chris — he’s under contract, so we’ll talk about that when the draft’s over. When I say this, I said we’re going to talk about it. It doesn’t mean we’re going to do it.”
When Demaryius Thomas held out of the Broncos’ offseason program in search of a long-term deal in 2015, Elway was vocal about his displeasure in players missing time. The minicamp last week was not mandatory.
“It’s voluntary,” Elway said. “We appreciate all the other guys who are here because they don’t have to be here. I really appreciate them being here voluntarily.”
As far as possibly trading Harris, Elway said it isn’t on his radar.
“I haven’t even thought about that. So, no. I haven’t gotten there,” he said. “Like I said, we’ll talk about Chris’ contract when the draft’s over and see what they’re looking for.”
• The Broncos will add a fourth quarterback for training camp, but Elway is not set on it being a player selected in the draft, let alone a high pick. Dwayne Haskins, Drew Lock and Daniel Jones are “on the board,” Elway said.
“We’re going to look at it and see what’s available once we get through the draft and see how the draft goes,” Elway said. “We will look at possibly bringing in another veteran or even a younger guy for competition. But we’ll have four in camp. We have three now.”
It’s possible the Broncos’ quarterbacks room this year will not include a single player drafted by Elway. And he’s fine with that.
“I want good quarterbacks in that room, so however we get them — whether we draft them or trade for them or we get one on the street,” he said.
• Teams have reached out to the Broncos to put out feelers about moving in the draft, Elway said, but there has been no talk of compensation. The Broncos’ board was set last week, but Elway wouldn’t reveal what the floor is for moving down.
“We’ll see. It all depends on how far you go back and who wants to come up and what the compensation is,” he said. “But yeah, I think there’s a certain level that you want to go back. Obviously, we’ll have a lot more information as we get to Thursday as we find out where people sit. I’m fine at 10 too. We’ll see what happens.
“There’s never as much movement as you think there’s going to be.”
• Elway has conceded that his evaluations of quarterbacks have evolved over the years, but just as important as finding the right quarterback is adding the appropriate talent and system around him.
When the Broncos traded for Joe Flacco in February, they did so with the belief he could be the centerpiece of the offense and stabilize a unit that has been in flux for years with multiple coordinators and systems.
“Joe is 34 years old. He’s had success in this league,” Elway said. “We made that move because we thought that he had a chance to come in here and fit what we’re going to do offensively and continue his career. Thirty-four years old — that’s young at that position. He’s won a Super Bowl, so he knows what it takes. He’s been to that level.”
During minicamp last week, Flacco weighed in on the Broncos’ draft options and said he doesn’t really care if they take a quarterback at No. 10 — a move that would suggest Flacco’s time in Denver would be brief.
“Whether it’s 10 or whatnot, the only thing I care about is, like I said, I want this team to be as good as they can with me at quarterback,” he said. “If we feel like as a team and an organization that we can add value to our team at the 10th pick, then I’m all for getting a guy that can add value to the team with me as the understood quarterback. At the end of the day, it is what it is.”
Elway heard Flacco’s comments and was pleased his quarterback spoke out.
“I like that. I like that. I understand that and that’s what you want in your guy that’s your starting quarterback right now. You want him to have that mentality, so I thought those comments were fine.”
That, of course, led to one of the biggest highlights of Elway’s “irrelevant press conference,” when he was asked to reflect on 1992, when he was the Broncos’ starting quarterback and the team selected Tommy Maddox in the first round. Maddox was traded to the Rams two years later.
Elway: “Yeah, I was standing at the baggage claim at DIA (Denver International Airport) and we needed a wideout. I said, ‘Oh, (Carl) Pickens must have been gone.’ He didn’t go until the second round.”
Reporter: “Were you upset?”
Elway: “Sure. Yeah. How’d that work out? (laughs).”
(Note: Denver International Airport didn’t open until 1995, replacing Stapleton International Airport.)
• The Raiders, under new GM Mike Mayock, made headlines when they reportedly sent home their entire scouting staff ahead of the draft because of “trust” issues. The Broncos have a relatively small scouting staff, in comparison to some other teams, but Elway hasn’t gone to such lengths to keep his final draft board secret.
“I think the people that work on the board deserve to be able to look at the board,” Elway said. “So, yeah, the scouts do see the board. But I think they understand when they talk to different people the impact they could have on us. I think they do a nice job.
“Now, we don’t go through our discussions about what our philosophy is going to be going into the first and second day, and eventually, we’ll do that later this week. We have not done that yet, but that will be a closed session.”
• With some 40 years of coaching experience, Vic Fangio is unlike your typical first-year head coach in the NFL. His time as a defensive coordinator lends him a level of respect from both his players and his bosses as the Broncos try to right the ship. And that includes his input in the draft.
“Vic’s been very good on the defensive side and has had a lot of success there,” Elway said. “Obviously, we’re getting to know what he does defensively on the personnel side. There are a lot of conversations with Vic and what he’s looking for. Plus, he’s proven that he’s been very good on that side.”
Elway said, as in past years, all the coaches have had input in the prospects they like going into the draft and have had a hand in ranking the positions.
“We’ve had everybody rank all of the different positions,” he said. “It has involved the coaches and Vic has been right in the middle of it all. I haven’t had a chance to sit down with Vic, but once we get closer, we’ll sit down and start talking strategy and what we’re looking at.”
• The addition of Mike Munchak as the offensive line coach was one of the Broncos’ key pickups of the offseason and figures to impact their draft strategy.
“Mike’s obviously got a tremendous background, so it’s great being around him as well as all of our new coaches,” Elway said. “… To hear Mike talk about offensive linemen and what he likes and how he ranks them and to be able to have that conversation makes us better too as evaluators. So Mike’s been a huge help.”
The Broncos lost four players in free agency who started at some point on the line, including center Matt Paradis. They added right tackle Ja’Wuan James and, for now, moved Connor McGovern to center. But they still have plenty of needs along their front five, especially on the interior. Expect them to add to the front five in the draft.
“We’re looking at it. We got a lot of different combinations that we’re looking at,” Elway said. “Obviously with losing Matt we’ve got some holes in there, so we’ll be looking to try to do something there.”
• The Broncos begin to work on their summer manual for the class of 2020 as soon as the 2019 draft ends. But the possibility of who and which positions could be available to them in the year ahead factors somewhat into their decisions for 2019.
“Well, we’ve looked at them,” Elway said. “We’re aware of what’s out there, and the list is out there. Obviously, it’s always hard because a lot of them are sophomores and you never know which juniors are going to be coming out but there are some prospects out there. So we look at the possibility of what’s coming out next year.”
• The Broncos will add to its receiving corps, but Elway is confident in Emmanuel Sanders’ ability to bounce back from an Achilles’ injury. The veteran continues to recover from the injury he suffered during a practice late last season and didn’t participate in any football drills during minicamp.
“Emmanuel says he feels good. You never know. We’re hoping,” Elway said. “If there’s anybody that can come back, it’s him. That’s why I feel good about where he is.
“We’re going to add more for camp and hopefully we bring in a lot more competition there too and find a couple of gems there.”
Chris Harris Jr. gives Broncos an ultimatum: new deal or trade By Nicki Jhabvala The Athletic April 24, 2019
After skipping the start of the Broncos’ offseason program and their voluntary minicamp, Pro Bowl cornerback Chris Harris Jr. has requested the team to either give him a new contract or trade him, a source confirmed.
His ultimatum comes hours after general manager John Elway reiterated he would address Harris’ situation at the conclusion of the NFL Draft.
“I don’t have time right now,” Elway said. “I’m busy with the draft. We’ll talk about Chris. He’s under contract, so we’ll talk about that when the draft is over. When I say this, I said we’re going to talk about it. It doesn’t mean we’re going to do it.”
ESPN first reported Harris’ request.
Harris has one year remaining on a five-year contract he signed in December 2014. In signing that deal, Harris accepted a discount from what he likely would have received as a free agent four months later. But he said at the time that it was more important to him and his family to remain with the Broncos and in Denver.
The decision to take less to stay landed Harris a starring role in the Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 victory, two All-Pro honors (a first- and a second-team) and three additional Pro Bowl selections. But at the culmination of last season — the Broncos’ second consecutive losing season under former coach Vance Joseph — Harris made it clear he wanted more money.
“I want to win, so whatever situation is best for me at the time,” he said. “We’ll see what new coaches we get. It’s late in my career and I can’t waste any years anymore. It’s time for me to win. I always wanted to retire here and finish my career here, but I’m ready to see what changes and things we do.”
Per 9News, Harris, 29, is seeking at least $15 million in average annual salary, which would tie Josh Norman for the most of any cornerback in the NFL. Harris’ current $8.5 million average is tied for 24th at his position.
Before the start of last season, the Broncos tacked on an incentive package to give Harris a chance to earn up to $3 million more based on personal achievements and team success. However, the Broncos’ 6- 10 finish coupled with his season-ending injury precluded Harris from earning anywhere close to the full amount.
The Broncos exercised his contract option for 2019, but Elway said early in the offseason that the team would wait until after the draft to discuss Harris’ longer-term future with the team, adding that “it’s something that we’d like to look at.”
The Broncos met briefly with Harris’ agent at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis to set the table for future talks, but no contract terms or a timetable was discussed. Communication has been silent since, according to a source.
To send a message about his contract, Harris opted to remain in Dallas, where he’s been working with his longtime trainer Ronnie Braxton, for the Broncos’ offseason workouts and voluntary minicamp last week.
“It’s voluntary,” Elway said. “They’re welcome to — it’s voluntary. We appreciate all of the other guys that are here that don’t have to be here. I really appreciate them being here voluntarily and working on their game.”
Although the Broncos have had players hold out of offseason workouts while in a contract dispute — Demaryius Thomas did in 2015 and Von Miller followed in 2016 — Harris’ situation differs. He is not a top free agent. He is not seeking his second deal with the team.
He is still under contract and is seeking his third contract.
He will also be 30 years old in June, a number that is rarely kind to players as they seek more pay.
But the former undrafted player out of Kansas has long been the poster player for defying the odds. He received a $2,000 signing bonus in 2011 as a college free agent just before the lockout, and returned at the bottom of the depth chart at corner. Following the guidance of Hall of Famers Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins, Harris rose from afterthought to starter to, arguably, the best slot corner in the game.
He was a key cog on the Broncos’ league-leading defense in 2015, went nearly two years without allowing a touchdown in coverage, is one of just five undrafted cornerbacks in pro football history to make three or more Pro Bowls with his original team, is the only NFL player with multiple interceptions in each of the last seven seasons, has 80 pass-breakups that rank as the third-most in Broncos history and four pick-sixes that rank fourth in Broncos annals.
His play is rare and his journey to the top well-respected.
But his ultimatum may not sit well at Dove Valley.
Past contract negotiations for Thomas and Miller turned sour as they dragged on, but accords were eventually reached without the threat of a trade request.
Harris believes he took a team-friendly deal last time around and wants to be paid what he’s worth now. But the context has changed.
The Broncos added three new faces to the cornerbacks room this offseason in Kareem Jackson, Bryce Callahan and former AAF player De’Vante Bausby. Jackson, 31, is the highest paid. He signed a three- year contract worth $11 million in average annual salary, well above Harris’ salary, despite a résumé that pales in comparison.
Earlier Tuesday, Elway said he had not considered trading Harris.
“I haven’t even thought about that, so no. We have not gotten there. Like I said, we’ll talk about Chris’ contract when the draft’s over and see what they’re looking for.”
It’s unlikely the Broncos would even consider a $15 million average salary, so now the question is how does this standoff end? Will the Broncos look to move him, or will they call his bluff and all but force him to play out his final year?
Making such an ultimatum in April is risky. Holding to it likely means Harris will lose a boatload of money in lost salary and fines. Should he cave, he’d begrudgingly have to play out the remainder of his contract then likely take a deal next year that is well below what he’s asking now.
John Elway talks in general terms about improving Broncos in draft By Troy Renck KMGH April 24, 2019
John Elway stepped to the podium Tuesday and began what he called "the most irrelevant press conference of the year." Pre-draft media sessions, affectionately called Liar's Lunch in Sports Illustrated, remain an exercise in mobility.
Reporters fired off questions, and Elway darted and dodged, and said a lot without saying anything. It makes no sense to reveal a team's plans in these events — as much I would love a revelation. Everyone is watching. And by everyone I mean all 31 other teams who are building their draft boards and preparing for their mock sessions prior to Thursday's first round, which begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday and will be broadcast on Denver7 and ABC.
Elway provided a memorable moment as he typically does. It involved his opinion of Joe Flacco, the team's fifth starting starting quarterback since Peyton Manning retired. Flacco made it clear last week he preferred the Broncos not take a quarterback with the 10th overall pick. Why? “I believe I am guy,” Flacco said.
Elway appreciated the response, saying, “I like that.” He experienced something similar in 1992 when the Broncos selected Tommy Maddox when Tennessee receiver Carl Pickens was on the board.
“I was at the baggage claim at D.I.A., we needed a wideout. I thought, ‘Pickens must be gone.' He didn’t go until the 2nd round!" Asked if he was mad, he said, “Yeah … how’d that work out!”
It didn’t. Maddox had a life as an NFL starter, but not in Denver. That moment aside, Elway allowed little in his thinking about this year’s quarterbacks. He acknowledged that they have looked at next year’s class when assessing this year, but wouldn’t provide any hints about taking Missouri’s Drew Lock (the idea of moving up into the late first round to get him is one possible scenario) and Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins.
Remember, the Broncos acquired Flacco for a reason.
“Joe’s 34 years old. We made that move because we thought he had a chance to fit what we do offensively,” Elway said. “At 34 years old, that’s young at that position.” In general terms, Elway added, “I would like to see us have some consistency in what we are doing offensively. That's more important than who we put in there.”
Let’s assume the Broncos don’t take a quarterback at 10. Where do they go? There remains strong buzz that the Broncos will take Michigan inside linebacker Devin Bush. Elway was asked about Bush and declined to go into it, declining to talk about specific players. Elway admitted that coach Vic Fangio’s expertise will play a role in the defensive players they select. And Fangio knows Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, whom he worked for in San Francisco. The wildcard remains LSU linebacker Devin White. If he’s available at 10, it would not be a surprise if the Broncos take him over Bush.
Elway addressed a number of subjects. Here are the bullet points:
--He has yet to address the Chris Harris Jr. extension talks because doesn’t have time until after the draft. He said would revisit the situation, but made no guarantees about getting a deal done. He added that he “hasn’t thought” about trading Harris. He indicated that he has no problem with Harris, a star cornerback, missing voluntary workouts as he angles for a new contract.
--The strategy of picking captains and three and four-year starters paid off in last year’s draft. The Broncos will look, in part, to continue this trend because those players came in “ready to contribute” and should form the leadership core of the locker room moving forward.
--Adding offensive line help is a priority. And new coach Mike Munchak’s insight will influence the type of linemen they look at in the draft. “We’ll be looking to do something there.” One player to keep an eye on, based on sources, is local kid Dalton Risner. If he falls to the second round, he could be a fit because he can play all five line positions, and shows the type of versatility that Munchak has coached to excellence in the past.
--There is a need to add a receiver or two. Elway, however, told me he believes veteran Emmanuel Sanders is on the right track in his recovery from Achilles surgery. “Emmanuel says he feels good. If there’s anyone who can come back, it’s him,” Elway said. “But we are looking to find some gems there (in the draft).”
Chris Harris contract situation reaching a crossroads as draft nears By Troy Renck KMGH April 24, 2019
Chris Harris Jr.'s desire for a new contract, and the Broncos' desire not to discuss it on his timetable or guarantee it will get done has created a potential untenable situation as the draft nears. According to Denver7 sources, Harris, who turns 30 on June 18, wants a trade if no deal can be reached, his stance hardened after general manager John Elway's comments about the contract talks on Tuesday.
Harris seeks a contract extension well beyond the deals received by the Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward (three-year, $33.25 million, $20 million guaranteed) and Broncos' free agent addition Kareem Jackson (three-year, $33 million, $23,000,000 guaranteed). Harris wants a deal in the neighborhood of $14 to $15 million per season. Denver is unlikely to pay him that amount, per a source.
Elway met with Harris' reps at the NFL combine in February, leaving optimism that something could be worked as he entered the final season of his contract. The Broncos picked up the $1 million option on Harris' $7.9 million salary in March. However, Harris has skipped the voluntary workouts as he seeks a new contract. His situation took an ominous turn Tuesday when Elway spoke in his pre-draft presser and was asked why he hasn't addressed Harris' situation.
"I don’t have time right now. I’m busy with the draft. We’ll talk about Chris. He’s under contract, so we’ll talk about that when the draft is over. When I say this, I said we’re going to talk about it. It doesn’t mean we’re going to do it," Elway said, before being asked if he's considered dealing the popular veteran. “I haven’t even thought about that, so no. We have not gotten there. Like I said, we’ll talk about Chris’ contract when the draft’s over and see what they’re looking for.”
Sources told Denver7 that Harris' camp viewed Elway's comments as disrespectful.
If the gap can't be bridged, it could lead to the Broncos considering trading him, though they don't have to. Harris has been unhappy with how the offseason has unfolded with his goal of a new deal while the Broncos added defensive backs Jackson and Bryce Callahan (three-year, $21 million deal, $10 million guaranteed). ESPN first reported that Harris wants to be moved without an extension.
Harris would be a valuable trade chip during the Thursday's first round if the Broncos move on from the four-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro in 2016. What would they they get in return? A second- rounder? A third-rounder? It might depend on whether the acquiring team knows it can sign Harris to a new deal. Plenty of teams are seeking corner help including the Colts, Cowboys, Eagles, Packers or possibly the Rams, where former Broncos coordinator Wade Phillips runs the defense.
The Broncos' posture this offseason has centered on returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2015. While an argument can be made for not paying Harris a premium given his age, it's hard to argue the Broncos will be better next year without him. He's widely considered the team's second best player behind Von Miller.
Multiple mocks and sources have the Broncos focusing on Michigan linebacker Devin Bush with the 10th pick overall. Could Harris' situation change the thinking? The Broncos could trade out of 10 to 15 or 17 and draft someone like tight end Noah Fant and use an additional second rounder to move up and take a corner of the likes of Washington's Byron Murphy or Georgia's Deandre Baker. The Broncos went through something similar last season with veteran Aqib Talib. He clashed with the former coaching staff, and wanted out. The Broncos secured a deal with the 49ers, but the then 32-year-old Talib balked, wanting only the Patriots, Cowboys or Rams. The Broncos ultimately moved him to the Rams for a fifth- round pick.
Harris Wants Out If Elway Doesn't Meet Contract Hopes By Arnie Stapleton Associated Press April 24, 2019
Denver Broncos star cornerback Chris Harris Jr. told The Associated Press on Tuesday night that he wants to be traded if general manager John Elway doesn't give him a contract extension.
Elway insisted earlier Tuesday in his pre-draft news conference that he's not angry with Harris for skipping Denver's offseason program, unlike five years ago, when he ripped receiver Demaryius Thomas for doing the same thing during a contract stalemate.
Elway reiterated that he'll address Harris' contract demands after this weekend's NFL draft but quickly added: "I said we're going to talk about it. It doesn't mean we're going to do it."
That didn't sit well with Harris, who told The Associated Press in a text that he no longer wants to play in Denver if Elway doesn't want to give him an extension.
"Yep, been disrespected too many times. In the media," Harris said via text.
It's the first time Harris has publicly discussed a desire to leave Denver should things not work out.
Harris, a perennial Pro Bowler who turns 30 in June, is due $7.8 million in 2019, the final season of a team-friendly, five-year, $42.5 million contract he signed in 2015.
Elway signed two defensive backs in free agency, Bryce Callahan (three years, $21 million) and Kareem Jackson (three years, $33 million).
Asked why he was waiting until after the draft to address Harris' contract situation, Elway said, "I don't have time right now. I'm busy with the draft." And asked whether he foresees any scenario in which he'd trade Harris, Elway said, "I haven't even thought about that, so no."
The last remaining member of the "No Fly Zone" secondary that was the backbone of Denver's Super Bowl 50 triumph, Harris is the only defensive back in the NFL with multiple interceptions in each of the last seven seasons.
Elway Evasive On Quarterbacks, Effusive On Harris' Absence By Arnie Stapleton Associated Press April 24, 2019
John Elway insists he isn't mad at star cornerback Chris Harris Jr. for skipping Denver's offseason program, and he reiterated that he'll address his contract demands after this weekend's NFL draft.
"I said we're going to talk about it," Elway stressed Tuesday. "It doesn't mean we're going to do it."
That didn't sit well with Harris, who told The Associated Press in a text Tuesday night that he wants to be traded if Elway doesn't give him an extension.
"Yep, been disrespected too many times. In the media," Harris texted several hours after Elway's comments.
It's the first time Harris has publicly discussed a desire to leave Denver should things not work out.
Harris, a perennial Pro Bowler who turns 30 in June, is due $7.8 million in 2019, the final season of a team-friendly, five-year, $42.5 million contract he signed in 2015.
Elway signed two defensive backs in free agency, including Kareem Jackson to a three-year deal that averages $11 million a season.
Asked why he's waiting to address Harris' deal, Elway said, "I don't have time right now. I'm busy with the draft."
Elway also said at his pre-draft news conference that he's not upset with Harris for working out on his own in Dallas while new head coach Vic Fangio installs a new defense in Denver.
"It's voluntary," Elway said. "They're welcome to ... it's voluntary. We appreciate all of the other guys that are here that don't have to be here. I really appreciate them being here voluntarily and working on their game."
That was in stark contrast to his take back when wide receiver Demaryius Thomas boycotted the team's offseason program while another new coach, Gary Kubiak, was busy installing his offense.
During his pre-draft news conference in 2015, Elway said, "I see absolutely zero value of him being away from here."
Thomas ended up signing a $70 million contract in July. And Elway was right, it took Thomas a while to get his wind back and his timing down with Peyton Manning that season, which ended with a win over Carolina in Super Bowl 50.
Harris has 19 interceptions and 80 pass breakups in eight NFL seasons. He's the only defensive back with multiple interceptions in each of the past seven seasons.
Waiting to address his contract opens the possibility that another team could make a trade offer during the draft for the last remaining member of the "No Fly Zone" secondary.
"I haven't even thought about that, so no," Elway said when asked if he could foresee any scenario in which he'd deal Harris. "We have not gotten there. Like I said, we'll talk about Chris' contract when the draft's over and see what they're looking for."
Elway demurred when asked about selecting a quarterback high in the draft, and he said his offseason acquisition of former Ravens QB Joe Flacco doesn't necessarily mean he's down on this year's QB class.
"No, we had an opportunity to add Joe, and so we thought he'd be a good fit for us," Elway said. "We thought the price was right and so we're happy to have Joe."
While Von Miller suggested Elway draft Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins, Flacco suggested Elway bypass QBs in the first round altogether unless he's the understood starter and select someone who can help the Broncos win now, not down the road.
"I'm glad he said that. I like that, I understand that," Elway said. "That's what you want from your guy that is your starting quarterback right now. You want him to have that mentality."
Elway was in a similar spot in 1992 when Dan Reeves drafted Tommy Maddux much to Elway's chagrin.
Elway said he was standing at the baggage carrousel at the old Stapleton International Airport "and we needed a wideout."
When he found out the pick was a quarterback, "I said, 'Oh, (Carl) Pickens must have been gone,'" Elway recounted. "He didn't go until the second round."
Elway was upset.
"Sure, yeah," Elway said. "How'd that work out?"
Not great for Reeves (fired) or Maddox (0-4 in two years in Denver). But just fine for Elway, who capped his Hall of Fame career as a back-to-back Super Bowl champion.
Elway recently said Flacco is still in his prime at age 34, an assessment that would seem to indicate he won't be looking for his quarterback of the future just yet.
Elway did say he'll add a fourth QB to the group of Flacco, Garrett Grayson and Kevin Hogan by training camp, however, maybe a late-round flyer or a veteran free agent, even if that means none of the four are homegrown.
"I want good quarterbacks in that room, however we get them," Elway said, "whether I draft them or trade for them or we get one on the street." Broncos' Von Miller avoids charge in shark incident, but boat owner gets two counts By Josh Peter USA Today April 24, 2019
Von Miller avoided legal action after posing with a bloody hammerhead shark in April 2018 off the coast of Miami during a fishing trip, according to records obtained by USA TODAY Sports.
The owner and operator of a boat, Spellbound, were charged with fishing for sharks without the proper permit and for failure to release a shark in the manner that will ensure maximum probability of survival, according to records issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
But Miller, the Pro Bowl defensive end for the Denver Broncos, was not charged in the incident, according to Kim Amendola, communications supervisor for the NOAA Fisheries/US. Department of Commerce.
During the fishing trip, Miller landed a 9-1/2 foot hammerhead shark, and photos and video of him posing with the shark sparked a backlash from PETA and other animal rights activists. Responding to critics at the time, Miller said, “We followed the rules.’’
But records show the owner and operator of the boat will face the two charges under the Magnuson- Stevens Act.
A $2,000 notice of violation and assessment was issued, according to records.
The charges were listed in an March 2019 enforcement action document issued by the NOAA Office of the General Counsel.
The boat’s owner and operator were not identified.
QB or not QB? John Elway doesn't tip hand on quarterback plan as NFL Draft approaches By Aric DiLalla DenverBroncos.com April 24, 2019
Joe Flacco has already made clear his preference for the upcoming NFL Draft.
When the Broncos hit the clock with the 10th-overall pick, his vote would be for John Elway and Co. to select a “guy that can add value to the team with me as the understood quarterback.”
Flacco didn’t specify whether he prefers an offensive or defensive player with that selection, so long as he’s the man under center.
“I want to get this team to be the best it is with me at quarterback position,” Flacco said on April 16. “Obviously, that is not of most importance to draft a quarterback.”
Elway didn’t share Tuesday at his pre-draft press conference how he will spend the 10th-overall pick, but he doesn’t have an issue with the team’s starter making his opinion known.
“I like that,” Elway said. “I understand that. That’s what you want in your guy that’s your starting quarterback right now. You want him to have that mentality. I thought the comments were fine.”
Elway himself dealt with draft-day concerns when the team used its first-round pick on UCLA quarterback Tommy Maddox in 1992.
“I was standing at the baggage claim at [Stapleton International Airport], and we needed a wideout,” Elway remembered Tuesday. “I said, ‘Oh, [University of Tennessee wide receiver Carl] Pickens must’ve been gone.’ He didn’t go until the second round.”
Pickens earned offensive rookie of the year honors that season while Maddox started four games as Elway battled a shoulder injury.
Elway, though, ended up on the right side of the situation that he said angered him at the time.
“How’d that work out?” Elway rhetorically asked Tuesday.
Two Lombardi Trophies to end Elway’s career is evidence enough of that — and Flacco would presumably be thrilled to end his career in the same fashion.
“Joe’s 34 years old,” Elway said. “I think he’s had success in this league. So we made that [trade for Flacco] because we thought that he had a chance to come in here and fit in what we’re going to do offensively and continue his career. At 34 years old, that’s young at that position. Joe’s done it. He’s proven he’s done it. He’s won a Super Bowl. He knows what it takes. He’s been at that level."
During the Broncos’ three-day minicamp last week, Flacco showed encouraging signs that he could replicate his previous success.
“Minicamp went well,” Elway said. “I thought he did a nice job in minicamp. He showed what he could do out there, what we thought he could do as far as the way he throws the ball. He can make all the throws, still has the strong arm. Joe was very good in [mini]camp.”
But neither Elway’s own experience battling a young quarterback nor Flacco’s showing in minicamp led Elway to rule out drafting a quarterback with the 10th-overall pick or in a later round. Of course, there weren’t any hints that he would draft a quarterback, either.
There was little to glean from Elway’s pre-draft media session, which he called “the most irrelevant press conference of the year.”
Asked for his thoughts on quarterback prospects Dwayne Haskins, Daniel Jones and Drew Lock, Elway chose to reply with a quip.
“They’re on the board,” Elway said.
Well, will the Broncos pick a quarterback at all?
“I don’t know yet.”
The answer likely depends upon how the draft unfolds and how Elway and the Broncos have stacked their draft board. The 2020 quarterback class may also play a role in their decision; Elway said Tuesday that the team is “aware of what’s out there.”
The only real clarity Elway offered is more procedural than it is news. The Broncos, he said, will bring in a fourth quarterback for training camp, which is the norm for most teams as they prepare for the season with a 90-man roster.
That player, though, could be a veteran, a younger free-agent or a draft pick.
“We’re going to look at it and see what’s available once we get through the draft and see how the draft goes,” Elway said.
But how the draft will go? Elway certainly isn’t saying.
What we learned from John Elway’s pre-draft press conference By Zac Stevens BSN Denver April 24, 2019
John Elway often starts his pre-draft press conferences by telling the media he’s about to tell us nothing.
On Tuesday, just over 50 hours before the start of the draft, Elway did just that.
“Welcome… to the… most irrelevant… press conference… of the year,” Elway slowly danced out, with a smile streaking across his face as he drew the classic media laugh.
Then, in classic Elway form, he fed the media a few bones of information.
Here’s what he gave the world to nibble on leading up to the first round of the draft on Thursday.
DENVER WILL ADD A QUARTERBACK At some point in the future, the Broncos will add a quarterback.
But this doesn’t mean they’ll draft one.
“We’ll have four in camp, we have three now, so we will add another quarterback whether it be through the draft,” Elway stated. “We’re going to look and see what’s available once we get through the draft and see how the draft goes. We would look at possibly bringing in another veteran or another guy for competition.”
As it stands now, none of the three quarterbacks on the roster were drafted by Denver. Elway said it’s not important to have a drafted quarterback on the roster.
“I want good quarterbacks in that room,” he said. “However we get them—whether I draft them or we trade for them, or we get one on the street.”
FIRST-ROUND QBs ON THE BOARD Despite trading for Joe Flacco, deeming him “young” and saying he’s in his prime, the Broncos have multiple first-round quarterbacks on their board.
On Tuesday, Elway confirmed Drew Lock, Dwayne Haskins and Daniel Jones—all players they either brought in for a visit or had a private workout with—were in fact on their draft board.
To be fair, the three quarterbacks are likely among hundreds of other prospects on their board.
Elway said he didn’t know yet whether he would add a quarterback in the draft and that acquiring Flacco in March didn’t have anything to do with his evaluation of the 2019 quarterback class.
“We had an opportunity to add Joe so we thought he would be a good fit for us. We thought the price was right. We’re happy to have Joe,” he said, defending his starting quarterback, at least for now.
“We made that move because we thought he had a chance to come in here and fit in what we are going to do offensively and continue his career at 34 years old—that’s young at that position. Joe’s done it. He’s proven he’s done it. He’s won a Super Bowl. So he knows what it takes. He’s been to that level.
“Minicamp went well. I thought he did a nice job in minicamp. He showed what he could do out there, what we thought he could do as far as the way he throws the ball. He can make all the throws, still has all the strong arm. Joe was very good in minicamp.”
As part of the quarterback evaluation process, the Broncos have taken a look at the 2020 quarterback class—something Elway admitted to doing at the same press conference last year about this year’s crop.
“We are aware of what’s out there and the list that’s out there,” he said, referencing next year’s quarterback group. “It’s always hard because a lot of them are sophomores and you never know which juniors are going to be coming out. But there are some other prospects out there. So yeah, we look at the possibility of what’s coming up.”
After failing to find a long-term quarterback in the draft over his tenure, Elway is “always trying to evolve” the way he evaluates the most important position in sports.
In referencing quarterbacks in general, Elway mentioned the importance of finding, and maintaining, the right offensive system.
“That part is more important than the guy you’re sticking into it,” he said, putting massive importance on Rich Scangarello’s new offensive philosophy.
OPEN TO DEALING Elway’s already been working the phone lines and is open to making a deal—whether that be moving up or down in the first round.
While Elway has talked to other teams about potentially trading, no compensation has been discussed as of yet.
There is a certain threshold that Elway would like to not trade below, although he said it will depend on the situation.
“Yeah I think there’s a certain level that you [don’t] want to go back—obviously there’s still information, and we’ll have a lot more information the closer we get to Thursday—kind of find out where people sit,” he said.
Saying that, Elway doesn’t expect much movement in the nine picks before the Broncos. As he’s said multiple times over the offseason, it takes two to do a deal, and that’s not as easy to accomplish as many believe.
“I think everybody’s always talked about going back and if somebody wants to come up, then they’ll have a deal in front of us, a good deal. There’s never as much movement as you think there will be,” Elway said.
“I’m fine at 10, too. We’ll see what happens.”
NEEDS IDENTIFIED Near the end of the press conference, Elway began feeding the media a little more juice as to what to expect from their draft.
Asked straight up if the interior offensive line was a need, Elway he said, “Yeah.”
“With losing Matt [Paradis], we’ve got some holes in there. So yeah we’ll be looking to try and do something there,” Elway said, making interior offensive line a priority for the draft.
With plenty of capable interior starters expected to go in the first and second round—Garrett Bradbury and Dalton Risner, to name a few—it’s not a position to sleep on early in the draft.
As for the smaller players on the offensive side of the ball, Elway said the team is “going to add more” receivers for training camp and “hopefully bring in a lot more competition there and find a couple gems there. That’d be nice.”
The Broncos are “hoping” Emmanuel Sanders’ Achilles heals fine.
“Emmanuel says he feels good, you never know,” Elway said. “If there’s anybody that can come back it would be him. That’s why I feel good about where he is.”
PRE-DRAFT SMOKESCREENS? Every NFL club is allowed to bring 30 prospects in for pre-draft visits leading up to the draft.
Elway and the Broncos have had a rich history of not bringing in many of the players they end up selecting early in the draft.
“I will say this, I don’t feel like we have to have a guy in here to draft them,” he said, confirming a pre- draft visit should be taken with a grain of salt.
“Proof was last year. We don’t have to have them in here,” Elway stated, pointing to Bradley Chubb, who the Broncos selected at No. 5 overall without bringing him in for a pre-draft visit.
So what’s the point of dragging these prospects all across the country? Just purely a smokescreen?
“You get to know them. You want to get to know them the best you can,” Elway explained. “Now, a lot of the time the character is spot on, and we feel like we don’t really need to bring them in because we know the background and there’s not anything we heard negative on the kid. So, therefore, in that situation, we don’t feel like it’s really [necessary].”
STRENGTH OF THE DRAFT It’s no secret this draft is stacked with defensive talent. But Elway confirmed he agrees with the rest of the country.
“There are more defensive lineman, outside pass rushers in this than in the past. That’s probably the deepest part of the draft, but there’s a lot of good football players in the draft,” he stated.
Not only is the draft top-heavy with defensive talent, but Denver’s head coach is also a defensive guru himself. Elway said Vic Fangio will be allowed to pound the table for a defensive player early in the draft and that there’s been “a lot of conversation with Vic and what he’s looking for.”
However, this won’t be different than years past as Fangio will have the same role as every other head coach.
“Vic will be right in the middle of it all,” Elway stated. “I haven’t had a chance to sit down with Vic, but once we get closer, we’ll sit down and start talking strategy and what we’re looking at.”
Saying all of that, Elway did admit in the past the team has bypassed higher rated players on their board because of already being loaded at that position on their roster.
NOT THE RAIDER WAY One week before the draft, the Oakland Raiders sent all of their scouts home because they didn’t know who they could trust with their valuable draft information.
On Tuesday, it was revealed the Broncos nearly do the complete opposite of that.
“The scouts are huge,” Elway said, praising his employees. “We’re very fortunate that we have a great staff of scouts. They work very, very hard.”
Instead of hiding their draft board from as many people as possible, the Broncos let their scouts see their big board.
“I think that the people who work on the board deserve to be able to look at the board,” Elway stated.
However, once the philosophy of how the team will attack the first and second day of the draft comes into play, which will happen later this week, “that’ll be a closed session,” according to Elway.
WHO THEY’LL PICK AT 10 “Don’t know yet,” Elway simply shot back.
Radio Row: Will Orange And Blue 760 Survive To See Football Season? By Colin Daniels South Stands April 24, 2019
Sports talk radio – and radio in general – in Denver is always changing. Station owners are perpetually scrambling to squeeze every possible dime from individual signals, most of which consistently struggle to attract an audience; especially in the digital, on demand media world we exist in today.
Denver’s AM 760 (KKZN) has had more formats over the past decade than the Broncos have had quarterbacks. It has been every type of station from all-Christian to top 40 to political. In 2002 it became AM 760 “the Zone” at which several Denver sports talkers (including Cecil Lammey) made their debuts. Then it became Air America’s “progressive talk” outlet until the company filed for bankruptcy protection in 2007 and it became “Real Talk 760” which hosted consumer protection guru Tom Martino and TMZ radio during the night.
In 2015 it became “Denver Sports 760” and its call letters were changed to KDSP and it became an affiliate for Fox Sports radio when KKFN (the Fan) dropped Fox for ESPN. Then, in 2017, IHeartRadio (formerly Clear Channel) announced that they had partnered with the Denver Broncos to create “Orange and Blue 760”, an all-Broncos, all-the-time station.
To most folks that sounded like a really dumb idea. After all, 104.3 the Fan already talked enough Broncos to bore Denver half to fucking death and that was on top of the incessant Broncos chatter at KOA and Mile High Sports, etc, etc. But it seemed like a swell idea to the Broncos as several other NFL teams had outlets devoted exclusively to kissing their asses.
Orange and Blue brought in Tyler Polumbus and Brandon Krisztal as well as Ryan Edwards, Steve Atwater and Andrew Mason and put together a full-day, every-day lineup to talk Broncos, Broncos and more Broncos util they were orange and blue in the face. And, if ratings are to believed (which I sometimes doubt they are) virtually nobody tuned in.
In March of this year KDSP drew a point-one Nielsen rating. By comparison 104.3 the Fan drew a two- point-nine and KYGO (Country) drew a five-point-seven. KDSP’s ratings are so poor they hardly even register. Virtually nobody listens – which begs the question – what will it be next?
Denver Broncos be damned, if AM 760 is costing IHeartRadio money to operate it they’re likely to take the station in another direction. I’m not sure Orange and Blue is going to make it until football season. I have long heard rumors that the company may switch the signal to conservative political talk and re- badge it “Freedom 760”.
“Freedom 760” would target the Trumper demographic, bringing Rush Limbaugh over from KOA to be its anchor tenant and then pepper other republican-friendly programming around it, freeing KOA up to focus more on sports, pairing Alfred “Big Al” Williams up with Dave Logan and trying to give 104.3 the Fan a run during their newly re-hashed afternoon drive show with Darren “Dmac” McKee and Tom Nalen.
The thing that would really suck about all of this is that a bunch of really good dudes would be looking for work. Two of the original dudes, Andy Lindahl and Ray Crockett, already are. They got cut loose in February.. It’s doubtful that KOA would bring any of the talent over from Orange and Blue. The thing that would be really awesome about it is that I would no longer be at risk of accidentally hearing that blowhard Rush Limbaugh because I left my radio on KOA after listening to a Rockies game. I hate it when that happens.
Report: Broncos won’t go to $15 million a year for Chris Harris By Darin Gantt Pro Football Talk April 24, 2019
The Broncos only received Chris Harris‘ “pay me or trade me” ultimatum yesterday, and they may already be at an impasse.
According to Mike Klis of KUSA, the star cornerback’s agent told the team he was looking for a new deal that exceeds $15 million per year Citing a source, Klis also reports the Broncos aren’t prepared to go to that level for Harris, so things could turn ugly in a hurry.
Harris just received a $1 million option bonus in March, and is due to make $7.9 million this year on the final year of the deal he signed in 2014. He hasn’t shown up for the offseason program yet. The Broncos gave cornerback Kareem Jackson a three-year deal worth $11 million a year this offseason, which can’t help Harris’ mood when he’s looking for a raise.
Elway has said he would talk to Harris’ agent after the draft.
“I don’t have time right now,” Elway said Tuesday. “I’m busy with the draft. We’ll talk about Chris. He’s under contract, so we’ll talk about that when the draft is over.
“When I say this, I said we’re going to talk about it. It doesn’t mean we’re going to do it.”
If they were going to move Harris, this would be the time, so the draft pick compensation they get could go toward filling a rather sizable hole on their depth chart.
Report: Chris Harris Jr. has asked Broncos for a new contract or trade By Curtis Crabtree Pro Football Talk April 24, 2019
“Pay me or trade me.”
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris has asked for a trade if they won’t give him a new contract.
Harris is due to make $7.8 million in base salary in 2019, which serves as the final year of the five-year contract extension he signed in December 2014. Harris’ 2019 salary ranks outside the top 25 contracts for the season at the cornerback position despite being a four-time Pro Bowl selection and a first-team All-Pro in 2016. Meanwhile, the Broncos are paying Kareem Jackson an average of $11 million a season on the three-year deal he signed this offseason. Jackson has never made a Pro Bowl or award team during his nine years with the Houston Texans.
Broncos G.M. John Elway has said he has no intention of addressing the subject with Harris prior to the conclusion of the draft. At that point, he said Monday that “we’re going to talk about it. It doesn’t mean we’re going to do it.”
Elway then said he hasn’t even thought about the idea of trading Harris. However, the trade request may bring that scenario more toward the front of Elway’s mind.
Harris has not been taking part in any of the Broncos voluntary workouts as he has made his desire for a new deal clear. If that deal isn’t going to come from Denver, he wants the chance to get it elsewhere.
John Elway on new deal for Chris Harris: We’ll talk, doesn’t mean we’ll do it By Josh Alper Pro Football Talk April 24, 2019
Broncos cornerback Chris Harris has not been working out with the team this month as he continues to push for a new deal with the team.
Broncos General Manager John Elway said earlier this year that he would not negotiate a new deal with Harris until the draft was over and he made it clear that nothing’s changed on that front during a Tuesday press conference. Elway also offered a reminder that talking about a deal doesn’t mean that one is actually going to happen.
“I don’t have time right now,” Elway said, via Nicki Jhabvala of TheAthletic.com. We’re busy with the draft and we’ll talk about Chris — he’s under contract, so we’ll talk about that when the draft’s over. When I say this, I said we’re going to talk about it. It doesn’t mean we’re going to do it.”
Elway was asked if trading Harris is a possibility and he said he hasn’t “even thought about that,” but it doesn’t seem like anything’s being ruled out. There are plenty of players who get new contracts even when the draft is around the corner and the fact that extending Harris wasn’t a top priority may be a sign that talking about a new deal may be as far as it goes.
John Elway, remembering Tommy Maddox, liked Joe Flacco’s comments By Charean Williams Pro Football Talk April 24, 2019
John Elway understands from experience exactly where Joe Flacco is coming from.
The Broncos’ newest starting quarterback said last week he doesn’t want the team to draft a quarterback with the 10th overall pick unless he’s the understood starter. Flacco added he hopes the Broncos use the choice on a different position, with drafting a quarterback “not of most importance.”
“I’m glad he [said] that. I like that. I understand that,” Elway, the team’s president of football operations/G.M., said Tuesday during a pre-draft news conference. “That’s what you want from your guy that is your starting quarterback right now. You want him to have that mentality. I thought those comments were fine.”
Elway had just finished his ninth season, made his fourth Pro Bowl and was only 31 years old in the 1992 draft when the Broncos used the 25th overall choice on UCLA quarterback Tommy Maddox.
“I was standing at the baggage claim at DIA [Denver International Airport], and we needed a wideout,” Elway recalls. “I said, ‘Oh, [Carl] Pickens must have been gone.’ He didn’t go until the second round.”
Elway admits he was upset.
“Sure. Yeah. How’d that work out?” said Elway, who played seven more seasons, made five more Pro Bowls, won two Super Bowls and, five years after he retired, became a Hall of Famer.
Maddox spent only two seasons in Denver, going 0-4 as a starter with six touchdowns and nine interceptions.