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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – The Broncos have reached an agreement with fourth-year cornerback Chris Harris on a five-year contract extension, through the 2019 season.

Harris has been a key contributor on defense this season, starting every game and totaling 45 tackles (43 solo), three interceptions, one sack, 15 passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

He joined the Broncos in 2011 as an undrafted free agent out of Kansas and started his rookie year as a special teams player and worked his way up, becoming a starter in 2012. He began this season rehabilitating from a partially torn ACL he incurred during the Broncos' divisional playoff win over the Chargers.

"Chris is a young, ascending player who has consistently performed at a high level during his first four years in the NFL," Executive Vice President of Football Operations/General Manager John Elway said. "He joined the Broncos as a college free agent and has worked tirelessly to become one of the league's best at his position.

"It's a priority for us to develop and reward our own players as we continue assembling the best possible team. Whether it's on the field or in the community, we are proud to have Chris representing the Broncos for many years to come."

Harris Jr. has appeared in 60 regular-season games (44 starts) for the Broncos during the last four years. His career totals include 236 tackles (208 solo), 10 interceptions (212 yds.), 44 passes defensed, 3.5 sacks (19.5 yds.), one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries.