The Minnesota Vikings slapped a franchise tag on safety Anthony Harris last month, a move that was hardly surprising given the Vikings' current salary cap situation.
However, that does not mean Minnesota doesn't plan on keeping Harris around for the long haul.
Recently, general manager Rick Spielman said that the Vikings are “pretty well set” at safety with Harris and Harrison Smith (via Eric Smith of the Vikings' team website), an indication that he sees Harris as a part of the foundation for the future.
Then, on Wednesday, Chris Tomasson of The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported that Harris in “no rush” to sign the tag because he wants to keep pushing for a long-term agreement.
Sources said #Vikings safety Anthony Harris in "no rush" to sign franchise tag (deadline is July 15) because he continues to want longterm deal Sources say some negotiations expected between Harris & Vikings before draft but doesn't seem to be chance of longterm deal reached soon
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) April 21, 2020
If Harris does sign the tag, it would make a trade a possibility, so that doesn't seem like something Harris is going to do any time soon.
Harris and the Vikings will have until July to reach a long-term deal.
Tomasson added that Harris is currently undecided on whether he will participate in Minnesota's virtual offseason program or not.
Harris is coming off of a 2019-20 campaign in which he played 14 games and racked up 60 tackles, six interceptions, 11 passes defended and a defensive touchdown, representing a key piece in what was a very good Vikings defense.
The 28-year-old, who played his collegiate football at the University of Virginia, went undrafted in 2015 but joined Minnesota as a free agent.
After multiple seasons as a reserve, Harris began working his way into the starting lineup in 2018, starting nine of his 15 appearances and registering 46 tackles, three picks and six passes defended.
Follow Us
Subscribe