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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.
In celebration of Shelby Harris' decision to stay in Denver on a new three-year contract, flip back through these photos of his four seasons in Denver.
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) during organized team activities at UC Health Training Facility in Centennial, CO, June 05, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) in action against the Chicago Bears during the game at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL, August 10, 2017. Photo by Joel Lerner
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) holds up the ball after recovering a fumble during fourth quarter action against the San Francisco 49ers during the game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, August 19, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) and linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) tackle Green Bay Packers running back Jamaal Williams (30) during second quarter action against the Green Bay Packers during the NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, August 26, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) celebrates with linebacker Danny Mason (47) and defensive end Shakir Soto (67) after a sack during fourth quarter action against the Green Bay Packers during the NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, August 26, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) pressures Arizona Cardinals quarterback Trevor Knight (1) during second quarter action against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., August 31, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
The team dog piles Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) after blocking a field goal to win the game during fourth quarter action against the Los Angeles Chargers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., September 11, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) pressures Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during second quarter action against the Dallas Cowboys during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., September 17, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) sacks Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) during third quarter action against the Buffalo Bills during the game at New Era Field in Orchard Park, NY, September 24, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (27) during first quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO, October 30, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) and defensive end Adam Gotsis (99) try to block a field goal during second quarter action against the Philadelphia Eagles during the game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Penn., November 05, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) reacts after tackling Miami Dolphins running back Kenyan Drake (32) during first quarter of the NFL game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, December 03, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) sacks New York Jets quarterback Josh McCown (15) during first quarter action against the New York Jets during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., December 10, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) reacts after sacking Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., December 31, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) blocks a Minnesota Vikings quarterback Trevor Siemian (3) pass during the NFL preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, August 11, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos nose tackle Shelby Harris (96) and linebacker Josey Jewell (47) tackle Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (27) during second quarter action of the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, October 01, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos nose tackle Shelby Harris (96) pressures Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Colorado, October 18, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos nose tackle Shelby Harris (96) tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (27) during fourth quarter action of the NFL game against the Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, October 28, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos nose tackle Shelby Harris (96) tackles Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) during fourth quarter action against the Houston Texans during the game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, November 04, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
CARSON, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) during the NFL regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. The Broncos won 23-22. (Photo by Ric Tapia)
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) protects the football as he lands after intercepting a Pittsburgh Steelers pass in the end zone with 1:07 remaining in the NFL game, Sunday, November 25, 2018, in Denver. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke)
Denver Broncos nose tackle Shelby Harris (96) intercepts the ball at the end of the game during fourth quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, November 25, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Shelby Harris after the Broncos' Week 12 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 25, 2018.
Denver Broncos nose tackle Shelby Harris (96) sacks Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) during second quarter action of the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, December 02, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos nose tackle Shelby Harris (96) reacts after sacking Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) during second quarter action of the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, December 02, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos nose tackle Shelby Harris (96) blocks a pass during second quarter action of the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, December 09, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 24: Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) during the regular season NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Monday, Dec. 24, 2018 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire)
Denver Broncos nose tackle Shelby Harris (96) during the NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington, August 08, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Mike Purcell and Shelby Harris with their kids during joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers at UCHealth Training Center in Denver, Colorado, August 17, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos nose tackle Shelby Harris (96) during the NFL game against the Chicago Bears at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, September 15, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos nose tackle Shelby Harris (96) tackles Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery (32) during the NFL game against the Chicago Bears at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, September 15, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Shelby Harris before the Broncos' Week 3 game against the Green Bay Packers on September 22, 2019 at Lambeau Field. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Denver Broncos nose tackle Shelby Harris (96) during the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, October 13, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos nose tackle Shelby Harris (96) during the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, October 13, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos nose tackle Shelby Harris (96) tackles Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) during the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis, Indiana, October 27, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos nose tackle Shelby Harris (96) with a service member before the NFL game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, November 03, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Shelby Harris looks for the ball after forcing a strip-sack on Kirk Cousins during the Broncos' Week 11 game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 17, 2019. (Photo by Jeremy Rincon)
Shelby Harris celebrates his strip-sack of Kirk Cousins during the Broncos' Week 11 game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 17, 2019. (Photo by Jeremy Rincon)
Denver Broncos nose tackle Shelby Harris (96) during the NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, December 01, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos nose tackle Shelby Harris (96) during the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, December 15, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos nose tackle Shelby Harris (96) during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, December 29, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) just narrowly gets his pass over the outstretched arm of Shelby Harris during the Denver Broncos' Week 17 game against the Oakland Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High on December 29, 2019. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Shelby Harris celebrates his game-sealing pass deflection with DeMarcus Walker, Jeremiah Attaochu, Mike Purcell and Davontae Harris during the Denver Broncos' Week 17 game against the Oakland Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High on December 29, 2019. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Shelby Harris yells to the crowd during the postgame celebration following the Broncos' Week 17 game against the Oakland Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High on December 29, 2019. (Photo by Jeremy Rincon)
A portrait of Shelby Harris at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 02, 2020. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Shelby Harris reacts after trying (and failing) to catch a pass on the Jugs Machine after the ninth training camp practice at UCHealth Training Center on August 24, 2020. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) blocks a field goal during the NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, September 14, 2020. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) celebrates after blocking a field goal during the NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, September 14, 2020. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Shelby Harris makes a tackle on Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) for a loss during the first half of the Broncos' Week 2 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on September 20, 2020. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Shelby Harris forces a fumble as he tackles Pittsburgh Steelers running back Benny Snell Jr. (24) during the second half of the Broncos' Week 2 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on September 20, 2020. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, September 27, 2020. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) celebrates after sacking Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, September 27, 2020. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Shelby Harris walks out of the tunnel before the Broncos' Week 4 game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on October 1, 2020. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Shelby Harris pressures New York Jets quarterback Joe Flacco (5) during the first half of the Broncos' Week 4 game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on October 1, 2020. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) vlocks a pass and causes an interception during the NFL game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foboro, Massechusetts, October 18, 2020. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) tackles Los Angeles Chargers running back Joshua Kelley (27) during the NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, November 01, 2020. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) during the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, December 06, 2020. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) tackles Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, December 06, 2020. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) during the NFL game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, December 13, 2020. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) blocks a pass during the NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, December 27, 2020. Photo by Kohjiro Kinno
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) during the NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, December 27, 2020. Photo by Gabriel Christus
