Ex-Broncos All-Pro Eyes NFL Return With a Contender

The NFL oftentimes makes room for an accomplished cornerback like Chris Harris, Jr.

As one of the greatest undrafted players of the modern era, cornerback Chris Harris, Jr. only appeared in 10 games last season with the New Orleans Saints. Harris' stint in New Orleans came after a two-year stint with the Los Angeles Chargers. 

All of it was preceded by a prolific nine-year career with the Denver Broncos, where Harris earned four Pro Bowl nods and three All-Pro selections, while helping lead the 'No Fly Zone' defense to Super Bowl 50 triumph. Despite his decorated resume, though, Harris is about to turn 34 years old, and Father Time remains undefeated. 

Even Tom Brady eventually succumbed to the vagaries of time. However, Harris is hoping to return for his 13th NFL season, but the free agent recently told The Denver Gazette's Chris Tomasson that he's alright waiting for the right opportunity. And as for OTAs and training camp, miss Harris with that noise. 

“(Teams) pretty much know I’m not planning on doing any training camp or anything like that,’’ Harris said via Tomasson. “I’ll do the same thing I did last year. I’m not doing training camp and all that OTAs (organized team activities in the spring) and stuff like that anymore.”

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In a perfect world, a contender comes knocking on Harris' door. 

“I want to wait and see what team has a great chance to win a Super Bowl and then try to hop on with them,’’ Harris said via Tomasson.

The Broncos, under the new leadership of head coach Sean Payton, are hoping to be a contender sooner rather than later. But expecting such a turnaround in the immediate aftermath of a five-win season and seven consecutive campaigns without making the playoffs might be a bridge too far. 

But you never know. The odds and eye test say that the Broncos ship has sailed for Harris. He made a name for himself in Denver, even earning a spot on the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2010s, but sometimes it's best to leave the past in the rear-view mirror. 

That's not to say that Denver couldn't use the talents and veteran savvy of a player like Harris, but nine times out of 10, when a player leaves his original NFL city, it's usually for good. Harris will likely return to fold someday, to retire as a Bronco. 

And then, a few years later, Harris' odds of landing in the Broncos' Ring of Fame are very high. For now, Harris is content to spend time with his daughters while he sees how the creme of the NFL crop shapes up this summer. 

“I feel ready to go,’’ he said. “I don’t have any issues. I feel great. I haven’t even got a chance to play safety or anything like that. I’ve been playing corner for 12 years. I definitely still got a lot left.”

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