Why the Chargers should sign Chris Harris Jr.
The Chargers have had a big hole in the outside cornerback position opposite Hayward for three years now. Somehow, they have managed to get serviceable play out of players who weren’t supposed to be contributors, like Trevor Williams or Michael Davis.
They can’t go one more year without addressing the position and expect to keep getting serviceable play. General manager Tom Telesco may choose to draft a player or sign a free agent to fill the hole. With Byron Jones and James Bradberry already signed, one of the best free agents at the position is Harris.
Harris will immediately upgrade the Chargers’ secondary in a big way and will bring many traits that Gus Bradley likes in his defense, like versatility. While he was predominantly a slot corner throughout his career in Denver, he as forced to play outside in 2019 because of injuries and lack of depth at the position. His play declined, but he was still an above-average player.
Harris can move around the defense, and that is something very important so he can stay on the field in a Chargers’ defense that likes to move players around a lot. He could line outside or push to the slot when needed.
Harris has said before he prefers playing outside because it allows him to be more aggressive, which brings us to other qualities he brings to the defense. Harris has one of the best instincts in football and can be very aggressive when the situation demands it. He can also beat receivers in multiple ways, including getting in his head.
Harris would also bring invaluable experience and winning pedigree to a defense that needs it. He would immediately become a leader in the locker room and would help refine the skills of the young players around him.
Should the Chargers sign Harris, they would be getting a player with a high football I.Q. who is always one of the smartest players on the field. They would be getting a player with a determination to win, leadership, experience, clutch performance and great skill.
It would be nice to have Harris playing on the Chargers’ side of the field for once, instead of having to face him twice a year.