Despite all that has happened with Anthony Harris this offseason, Minnesota general manager Rick Spielman knows that right now the safety is franchise tagged.
The Vikings safety, who had six interceptions in 2019 — tied for a league best — was franchise tagged by the team this offseason. Then, the Vikings were telling teams that Harris “could be had for a mid-to-late round draft pick,” a source told NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport,
Since then, ESPN’s Josina Anderson and the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson have both reported that the Vikings and Harris have been in discussions about a long-term deal. However, there is no official report of a long-term deal coming to fruition.
“From us being able to franchise Anthony Harris, we do have the safeties pretty much set,” Spielman told Tomasson.
Besides Harris on the roster, the Vikings also have Harrison Smith, who hasn’t missed the Pro Bowl since 2014. That starting duo back deep isn’t only menacing for opposing quarterbacks, it can also help bail out cornerbacks next season who might not be used to a mainstay starting role in the NFL just yet.