After taking care of its exclusive-rights free agents, the Denver Broncos' attention turned to its restricted free agents, one of whom is unlikely to return.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday that Denver has declined to tender defensive lineman Jonathan Harris, who will become an unrestricted free agent when the league's signing period opens next week. The tender would've cost $2.985 million for the 2024 season.
Harris, 27, joined the Broncos during his 2019 rookie campaign and was largely mothballed until 2021, hanging around on the team's practice squad. The former undrafted free agent worked his way to the starting lineup last season, notching 43 combined tackles, four quarterback hits, and one sack across 529 defensive snaps — all career-bests.
Harris, however, graded out as Pro Football Focus' No. 96 interior defender among 130 qualifiers and was a weak link on a unit that finished 29th in total yards allowed and 30th against the run.
With only DE Zach Allen assured of a starting spot in 2024 — DT DJ Jones is a cut candidate and NT Mike Purcell is an impending free agent — Denver's defensive line figures to undergo a thorough facelift this offseason. Harris was the initial domino to drop; others will follow.
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