Broncos Coach Vic Fangio Has Incredible Response to Chris Harris Jr. Situation
By Michael Luciano
The absolute No. 1 story surrounding the Denver Broncos right now is Chris Harris Jr.'s contract dispute. Despite half a decade of dominance as a slot cornerback, Harris alleges that Denver isn't offering him enough money, fueling trade rumors.
Newly-minted head coach Vic Fangio isn't worrying about all the logistics of contract negotiation or trying to finagle a trade for Harris, however. He just wants to coach ball no matter who shows up.
Vic Fangio asked about Chris Harris’ situation again: “I stay out of it. That’s the business side of football. I deal with football business.”
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) May 20, 2019
Well, that's an interesting way to word it! That sounds like a 60-year-old first-time head coach who has taught the game in various capacities since 1979 would say.
As defensive coordinator in Chicago last year, Khalil Mack and the pass rush overshadowed an excellent secondary, especially slot corner Bryce Callahan, who then followed Fangio to Denver. Harris was poised to continue to assert himself as an elite corner in the Denver defense, but could now end up shipped off to another team willing to pay him what he thinks he's worth.
The #Broncos are going to try to talk to CB Chris Harris, see if they can work things out.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) May 14, 2019
If unable to do so, I suspect potential trade partners would include Houston and Philly.
When you have a defensive head coach and a competition between a raw rookie in Drew Lock and a decrepit veteran in Joe Flacco, the defense is where your team will hang their hat. If they lose Harris, their best individual defensive player not named Von Miller could be helping someone else get a ring.