Vikings Working On Long-Term Deal for Harris

Minnesota Vikings' Anthony Harris. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren).

The Minnesota Vikings decided to franchise tag safety Anthony Harris in an effort to trade him for more draft capital. After the team’s unsuccessful attempt at this due to a very weak market for safeties, the team is now reportedly trying to work out a long-term deal with Harris. 

Harris, a former undrafted free agent from the University of Virginia, worked his way up from the practice squad in 2015 to starting safety alongside All-Pro Harrison Smith for most of the last two seasons.

In 2019, Harris recorded a team leading six interceptions. The Vikings have about $11.375 million in cap space for 2020, according to Spotrac.com, with Harris’ cap hit currently being $11.441 million. Harris is reportedly seeking a contract that would put him among the highest paid safeties according to Chirs Tomasson of the Pioneer Press. 

The move might put Harris’ average salary number around $14 million a year, but could lower his cap hit for 2020. A possibly important move for GM Rick Spielman whose staff is trying to make moves despite leaving themselves with very little wiggle room and a lot of dead cap.

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