Broncos trade of Chris Harris would help rebuild process

The Denver Broncos are reportedly considering trading cornerback Chris Harris Jr. General Manager John Elway should make it a reality.

Chris Harris is one of the best corners in football. He’s certainly one of the top five players on the Denver Broncos roster. Denver should also move him before the end of Friday night.

Denver is in the process of rebuilding a roster that has become old and stale since winning Super Bowl 50. Harris, 30, is entering the final year of his contract and has demanded a trade if he’s not going to get a lucrative extension. Considering the talents of the former University of Kansas star, he should get paid one more time, but not from the Broncos.

By the time Denver is ready to compete for another title, Harris will undoubtedly be trending downward. Elway can use Harris as a chip to acquire more draft capital, perhaps finding an additional third or fourth-round choice. On Thursday, Elway did a nice job of trading down with the Pittsburgh Steelers, moving back 10 spots from No. 10 to acquire an extra second-round pick and a 2020 third-round selection.

The slog down the standings began with the retirement of Peyton Manning and continued with the exodus of defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and an all-time draft bust in quarterback Paxton Lynch. While there are some nice young building blocks in edge rusher Bradley Chubb, running back Phillip Lindsay and receiver Courtland Sutton, the holes still outweigh the answers on the roster.

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If the Broncos can swing a deal to send Harris elsewhere for significant draft compensation, the choice shouldn’t be difficult for Elway.