Friday was a very busy and active week in Dove Valley with the news of Justin Simmons’ four-year contract extension, $ 61 million, making him the highest paid safety in the National Football League. The joyous Simmons news juxtaposed with the disappointment of seeing fan-favorite receding Phillip Lindsay fired on the spot by the Broncos.
Part of Friday’s buzz at Broncos headquarters was the celebratory press conference for newly paid defensive lineman Shelby Harris. Earlier this week, the Broncos signed Harris to a $ 27 million three-year deal that will finally recognize him for his talents and give him some more seasons of security in Denver.
In the spirit of gratitude, a very emotional Harris took the stage, struggling to get the words out. But the triumph of his new deal, after all he’s been through as a player and all the uncertainty and fear of struggling to win that long-term deal, was a sweet, sweet moment.
Harris entered 2020 thinking he wouldn’t be “denied” that big deal when the next low season started.
“I felt like I was having a good year [in 2019]but clearly not good enough, ”said Harris. So I had to go out and put the work in. If you ever have a question, just do a little more work. I was not happy with how free agency went last year. I went and kept working. It’s crazy because it all increased tenfold. Here’s the bulk of it: I’m just happy to be here. This is home and they gave me my first chance. I am happy to stay here. “
New GM George Paton made short work of getting two homegrown studs like Harris and Simmons for the long haul once the free-agency period kicked off earlier this week. The two new signatures have resolved some of the more pressing issues that cloud the Broncos’ future.
Another question Paton will have to answer shortly is the quarterback’s situation and what to do with Drew Lock. On Thursday, Paton said the Broncos “like Drew Lock” and believes the team currently has a “nice” QB room.
While Paton left the quarterback door open regarding the team’s No. 9 overall draft pick next month, reiterating his goal of adding some “competition” to the room, the freshman also made it clear to GM that the Broncos Lock a seem to like. far more than many in the local and national media want you to believe.
Harris also likes Lock.
“Drew has all the tools – a great arm and he can put the ball in some crazy places. [He’s] mobile and smart, ”said Harris. He needs the reps. You expect immediate results and that’s the problem with today’s world. You expect immediate results and it takes time. “
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That’s right. Today, fans are easily consumed with QB jealousy when rookies like Justin Herbert emerge fresh from the box, take the field and take the NFL by storm.
That QB envy only increases the feeling of impatience in a fan base. However, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and not all of the QBs that were going to be great hit upon entering the NFL. Many, as in the case of future Hall-of-Famers, such as Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees, took a few years to marinate and develop.
QBs like them turned the corner because they were lucky enough to be able to get continuous reps and time on the task with their respective team.
“If the Packers had given up [Hall-of-Famer] Brett Favre right away, or if the Broncos had given up on John Elway right away, they wouldn’t be there, ”Harris noted. He struggled with Drew at times, but you can see the flashes that turn everyone on. He’s my quarterback and I’m going to ride for my husband. He can be great. We believe in him. I really believe he will take that next big step this year. “
It is always interesting to hear a defender talking to the resources of a QB on the other side of the ball. Harris is not a player who blows smoke into someone’s skirt. He’s always told it as it is.
Harris’ comments would implore the Broncos and fans to be patient with Lock. But what has Lock done to earn such patient long-suffering?
As Harris said, the young QB has flashed that ceiling and those tantalizing tools that, if put to use, could help lift the Broncos out of the NFL doldrums and give that elusive, long search-for-answer below the middle. . Only time will tell if Lock will eventually reach its potential.
But if the Broncos are inclined to give him another year as a starter and continue to invest in the team and build the roster around him, the hope is that Lock can reach not only his potential as QB, but also his game up. a point where he is constantly floating near his ceiling, instead of the drastic ups and downs of the 2020 campaign.
After all the QB rumors that have swirled around Dove Valley, Lock no doubt appreciates the vote of confidence from one of his veteran teammates. Coming from a man who has just proven that hard work, persistence, and the right chance can have life-changing effects on a player’s fate in the NFL, only makes the message harder.
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