Prior to being slapped with a franchise tag by the Minnesota Vikings, defensive back Anthony Harris figured to have a nice market in the free-agent market. Courtney Cronin of ESPN reported multiple teams would have pursued Harris, including the New York Giants. Cronin also indicated the Giants might have shown interest in trading for Harris even after the Vikings applied the franchise tag:
Two weeks of free agency have come and gone without any movement. The New York Giants and Cleveland Browns were among several of the serious suitors interested in Harris, according to league sources, but he remains with the Vikings.
It's possible that the asking price is too high — what Minnesota wants in return for a trade and the salary Harris would like on a long-term deal.
Harris led the NFL with six interceptions last season while also racking up 11 pass deflections in 14 games in his first year as a full-time starter.
The Vikings are clearly high on Harris, especially seeing as they let both Trae Waynes and Xavier Rhodes walk in free agency. Of course, delegating over $11 million in guaranteed money to Harris might seem like a bit of a reach. But the Vikings are unlikely to make a trade if their demands are not met, especially because of needs in the secondary.
This is tough news for the Giants, who could use Harris at safety as part of a secondary overhaul that has included signing cornerback James Bradberry and former New England Patriots special teamer Nate Ebner.
Regardless, any trade involving New York seems unlikely, especially because draft capital should remain precious to New York as they continue to rebuild.
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