On Friday, scoring a very busy and active week in Dove Valley was the news of Justin Simmons ’four-year, $ 61 million overtime that made him the highest paid safety in the National Football League. Simmons ‘joyful news juxtaposed with the disappointment of seeing Phillip Lindsay, the fans’ favorite runner, summarily fired by the Broncos.
Part of Friday’s influx of activities at Broncos headquarters was the celebratory press conference for newly paid advocate Shelby Harris. Earlier this week, the Broncos signed Harris with a $ 27 million three-year deal that finally recognizes him for his talent and provides him with multi-season security in Denver.
In a spirit of gratitude, a very emotional Harris stood on the podium and struggled to get the words out. But the triumph of his new deal, after all that has happened as a player and all the uncertainty and anxiety of fighting to reach that long-term deal, was a sweet and sweet moment.
Harris came on in 2020 thinking he wouldn’t be “denied” this big contract when the next offseason occurs.
“I felt like I had a good year [in 2019]but it’s obviously not good enough, “Harris said.” So I had to go out and get the job done. If you ever have a question, go work on it. I didn’t like the agency freedom it was last year. I went and kept working. It’s crazy because everything multiplied by ten. Here’s the most important part: I’m glad to be here. This is home and they gave me the first chance. I’m happy to stay here. “
New GM George Paton did a short job of getting two tacos like Harris and Simmons to bond in the long run, once the free agency period opened earlier this week. The two rookie signings solved a couple of more pressing issues that clouded the Broncos ’future.
Another question Paton will have to answer soon 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’s door open for the team’s No. 9 draft pick next month and reiterated his goal of adding some “competition” to the room, the GM of first year also made it clear that the Broncos seem to like Lock a lot more than they would like you to believe in the local and national media.
Harris also likes Lock.
“Drew has all the tools: a big arm and he can put the ball in some crazy places. [He’s] mobile and smart, “Harris said.” You need the reps. Expect instant results and this is the problem of today’s world. Expect instant results and things take longer “.
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Is true. Today, fans are easily consumed by QB’s envy when rookies like Justin Herbert come out of the box, go out on the field, and continue to take the NFL by storm.
This envy of QB only increases the feeling of impatience in a fan base. However, Rome was not built in a day and not all of the QBs who grew up touched down when they entered the NFL. Many, as in the case of future salons of fame, such as Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees, took a few years to marinate and develop.
QB, as they turned the corner, were lucky enough to have the opportunity with their respective team to get continuous repetitions and work time.
“If packers had abandoned [Hall-of-Famer] Brett Favre right away, or if the Broncos had given up on John Elway right away, there wouldn’t be any, “Harris said.” With Drew, he sometimes fought, but you can see the flashes that make everyone excited. He’s my quarterback and I’m going to get my guy. It can be great. We believe in him. I really think he will take this next big step this year. “
It’s always interesting to hear a defender talk about the measurements of a QB on the other side of the ball. Harris is not a player who blows anyone’s skirt. He has always said it as it is.
Harris ’statements would implore the Broncos and fans to be patient with Lock. But what has Lock done to deserve such a long-suffering patient?
As Harris said, the young QB has lit up that roof and those captivating tools that, if taken advantage of, could help lift the Broncos from the NFL tide and provide that elusive, long answer to the center’s quest. Only time will tell if Lock finally achieves his potential.
But if the Broncos are willing to give him one more year as a starter and continue to invest in the team, building the roster around him, the hope is that Lock can not only reach his potential as a QB, but raise your game to a point where you approach the ceiling on a steady basis, rather than the drastic highs and lows of the 2020 campaign.
After all the QB rumors that have revolved around Dove Valley, Lock certainly appreciates the vote of confidence from one of his veteran teammates. Coming from a guy who just proved that hard work, perseverance, and the right opportunity can have life-changing effects on a player’s NFL destiny only makes the message harder.
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