Broncos Threw in Extra $50k to Chris Harris Deal Just to Manage His Ego

The Denver Broncos ensured they had their top cornerback in Chris Harris Jr. for the upcoming season, as they agreed to a one-year contract adjustment on Tuesday. Now, Harris is set to earn $12.05 million in 2019.

Many are wondering, why such a specific number like $12.05 million?

Well, Broncos general manager John Elway threw in an extra $50K to make Harris the highest paid defensive back on the roster. Fellow cornerback Kareem Jackson is set to earn $12 million this year.

The .05 in $12.05M deal for Chris Harris is no accident- it's $50K more than what Kareem Jackson is listed to get this year (although Broncos deferred $3M of Jackson's SB to next yr). The added $50K Elway threw in Tue sealed deal for Harris. Lots of info in story here: #9sports https://t.co/nTiw915Gax
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) May 29, 2019

"I just wanted to be the highest-paid cornerback on the team," Harris told Mike Klis of 9News. "It had nothing to do with Kareem. I just thought I deserved to be the No. 1 cornerback on the team. Nothing against Kareem."

Harris and his agent, Frederick Lyles, were looking for a multi-year contract extension, which would pay the cornerback $15 million annually, as well as earning $40 million in guarantees. However, the Broncos had no desire to meet those demands.

Instead, both sides opted on a restructured deal, and begin discussions at the end of this upcoming season.

He became the highest-paid CB in Denver today; Chris Harris promises to become the highest-paid CB in the NFL next year https://t.co/SGVvfCbfnp
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 29, 2019

Harris is now the fourth-highest paid corner in the NFL, in terms of annual salary. He now sits behind Xavien Howard ($15.3 million), A.J. Bouye ($13.4 million), and Darius Slay ($13.03 million).

While Chris Harris Jr. didn't reach those heights, he can claim he's the highest paid cornerback on the Denver Broncos...by a narrow $50K.