Five keys for the Vikings defense in 2020

How can the Vikings not take a step back in 2020? Here are five things the team needs to do.

Keep Anthony Harris happy

Harris reportedly wanted a long-term deal, and the Vikings were in talks to do so, but so far, nothing has come to fruition.

Harris is one of the best safeties in the NFL, and if the Vikings can’t lock him down for the long term this offseason, they need to make sure Harris wants to be a big contributor on the team still.

He’s coming off a 2019 campaign where he had six interceptions, tied for a league best. It’s not all about interceptions, either. Pro Football Focus gave Harris a grade of 91.1 out of 100 for last season, which was the highest grade of any NFL safety.

With the young corners the Vikings have, it becomes crucial that Harris stays at about the same production he had last season.

Right now, the Vikings have given Harris the franchise tag. As quarterback Kirk Cousins said to Dak Prescott, “the franchise tag can be your friend.”

Hopefully, it’s a friend to Harris and therefore a friend to the Vikings.