Broncos agree to terms on three-year deal with DE Shelby Harris

[Miles]

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Broncos are bringing back one of their top defensive players.


Denver agreed to terms Monday on a new three-year deal with defensive lineman Shelby Harris, the team announced.


"Shelby sets the tone on our defensive line," General Manager George Paton said. "As a disruptive pass rusher and physical run defender, he's hard to handle up front. We're excited to have Shelby back with the Broncos."


Paton previously signaled in early March that re-signing Harris would be a priority for Denver in free agency.


Harris has spent the last four seasons with the Broncos, appearing in 59 games and starting 33 contests. In 2020, Harris posted 2.5 sacks, 32 tackles, 11 quarterback hits, four tackles for loss, seven passes defensed and a forced fumble in 11 games. Harris missed four games due to COVID-related protocols and did not play in Week 17 due to injury.


He previously posted career highs in 2019 as he started all 16 games and recorded 49 tackles, eight tackles for loss, six sacks and nine passes defensed.


Harris' 16 passes defensed over the past two seasons rank first in the NFL among defensive linemen, and he is second in the same category since 2017.


His defining play as a Bronco likely came in 2018, when he picked off a pass in the end zone against the Steelers to seal a Denver victory. Harris then brought a game ball to the hospital to greet his newborn baby.


Harris also blocked a late Chargers field-goal attempt in 2017 and batted down a last-second two-point conversion attempt against the Raiders in 2019 to seal two other Denver wins.


The 2014 seventh-round pick initially joined the Broncos in 2017 after signing a Reserve/Future contract. He previously signed a one-year deal to remain with the Broncos in 2020.


Harris is the first of the team's unrestricted free agents to re-sign with the Broncos this offseason. Denver previously placed the franchise tag on safety Justin Simmons as a procedural measure to allow more time to work out a long-term deal.


Harris should maintain a starting role on a defensive line that could feature Harris, Mike Purcell and Dre'Mont Jones as its starters.