Long-time NFL defensive back Chris Harris Jr. is retiring after 12 seasons. The 34-year-old was originally undrafted out of Kansas in the class of 2011 and played nine years with the Denver Broncos, two years with the Los Angeles Chargers, and one year with the New Orleans Saints. The four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro selection compiled 621 tackles, six sacks, seven forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 22 interceptions, and 101 pass deflections in 172 career games. He started opposite Aqib Talib for the legendary 2015 Broncos' defense that won Super Bowl 50 in Peyton Manning's final year in the NFL. Harris is not a Hall of Fame candidate on paper, but he enjoyed a spectacular career, especially considering he went undrafted.
Free-agent cornerback Chris Harris Jr. intends to remain unsigned, with the former Pro Bowler planning to sign with a Super Bowl-contending team. He was in the same boat last offseason. However, Harris signed with the Saints in October 2022 and finished the season with 29 tackles (10 games). The veteran may stay a free agent through training camp. But the 33-year-old likely won't receive interest from IDP managers, considering his best days are behind him.
Free-agent cornerback Chris Harris Jr. said on Sirius XM NFL Radio on Friday that five teams have asked about him right now and that he wants to play for a contender in 2022. "I can play all over the field. Pretty much whatever a team needs," Harris said. The 33-year-old veteran made the Pro Bowl four times in his time with the Denver Broncos, including an All-Pro nod in 2016, but he hasn't been much of a playmaker the last two years with the Los Angeles Chargers, recording 55 solo tackles, half a sack, two interceptions and eight passes defensed in 23 games (20 starts). Harris may no longer be a starter at this point in his career, but he can provide some nice veteran depth in the slot.
Chris Harris Jr. Activated, Melvin Ingram To Injured Reserve
The Los Angeles Chargers activated cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (foot) from Injured Reserve on Friday and placed defensive end Melvin Ingram (knee) on IR in a corresponding move. Harris hasn't played since Week 3, but he's not a lock to be active this weekend against the Bills. The Bolts could certainly use him to slow down the Buffalo offense, though, with cornerback Casey Hayward being ruled out with an injury. This will be Ingram's second stint on IR in 2020. The former 18th overall pick in 2012 has just 10 tackles, one interception and no sacks in seven games this year and may not make it back at this point in the season. Avoid the Chargers Defense in Week 12 against a high-octane Bills offense.
Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (foot), who has been out since Week 3 with a foot injury, will return to practice on Wednesday. Harris went on the short-term Injured Reserve after suffering the injury earlier this year, but he could make his return in Week 11 against the Jets. The Bolts will welcome Harris back to their secondary after trading Desmond King to the Titans at the deadline. With Harris and Casey Hayward on the field together, the Chargers have one of the better cornerback tandems in the league. Going up against a winless Jets squad this Sunday, the Chargers Defense is one of the most attractive fantasy units in the league, regardless of whether Harris makes his return.
Chargers Place Chris Harris Jr. On Injured Reserve
The Los Angeles Chargers placed cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (foot) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday and promoted defensive back Jahleel Addae to the active roster in a corresponding move. Harris suffered a foot injury in the Week 3 loss to the Panthers that is expected to keep him out for at least a month and potentially up to six weeks. With All-Pro safety Derwin James (knee) already out for the year, it's another blow to a strong Chargers secondary. The good news is that Harris will be back this season. Against a strong Buccaneers passing attack this Sunday, the Chargers Defense could be a bit more vulnerable, especially against wide receiver Chris Godwin in the middle of the field.
Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (foot) suffered a foot injury in the Week 3 loss to the Panthers that is expected to keep him out at least a month and possibly up to six weeks, according to sources. LA's secondary becomes even weaker with Harris' injury, as All-Pro safety Derwin James (knee) is already out for the season. Although the Chargers Defense is still at least a low-end starting unit in fantasy, their matchup against the Buccaneers and Tom Brady in Week 4 will become a bit more difficult. If healthy, Chris Godwin (hamstring) might exploit the Bolts secondary without Harris manning the slot.
Chris Harris Jr. Experiencing Soreness In His Legs
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn said that cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (legs) is experiencing soreness in his legs, which could be attributed to cramping. The Chargers are being careful with Harris and could limit him in practices. The 31-year-old should be fine, barring a significant setback. Harris is heading into his first season with LA after nine seasons in Denver, including four Pro Bowl selections and one first-team All-Pro nomination. He's a shutdown corner that will join an already stellar defensive back cast of Derwin James and Casey Hayward for the Bolts. The Chargers Defense will be extremely tough at all levels in 2020 and will be a popular high-end fantasy defensive unit.
Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Chris Harris Jr. said that general manager Tom Telesco, head coach Anthony Lynn and defensive backs coach Ron Milus told him that he will be playing the slot in 2020. "That was the main thing that they brought to me," Harris said. The 30-year-old was asked to cover the opponent's best receiver in his final year in Denver, and he notably struggled after making the Pro Bowl four times (All-Pro in 2016) since 2014. There's no denying that Harris is the most comfortable in the slot, and he could rebound in an all-around sold Chargers Defense in his first season with the Bolts. How Harris' presence affects Desmond King remains to be seen, but this secondary might be one of the best in the NFL on paper.
The Los Angeles Chargers are signing former Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. to an undisclosed deal on Wednesday, according to sources. Harris was one of the top players remaining at his position and will help bolster an already strong Chargers secondary. He'll slot in as a starter alongside Casey Hayward, and the Bolts also have All-Pro safety Derwin James in the back end. LA's defense/special teams should be a top unit in the 2020 season.
