Anthony

Harris

Harris’ career has spiraled out of control since playing on the Vikings’ franchise tag for $11.441 million in 2020. Now 30 years old, he’ll be looking for his third team in the last three seasons. The Eagles are eating over $1.2 million in dead money to cut Harris.

The Eagles were linked to free agent Marcus Williams before Williams signed with the Ravens. They’ll settle on bringing back Harris after he posted 72 tackles, an interception, and three pass breakups in 14 starts last year. The Harris signing likely rules out FS Rodney McLeod returning with the Eagles.

Harris was coached by new Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon in Minnesota, and Philly had room for upgrades at safety. He’ll start in the Eagles’ new two-high safety defense alongside either 2020 fourth-rounder K’Von Wallace or veteran Rodney McLeod (ACL). Because of the Eagles’ salary cap constraints, this will be one of the only moves the front office will make before the 2021 NFL Draft. Harris is an above-average starter, and this is not above-average starter money. It’s a bargain on the fifth day of deals.

Harris has already signed his one-year franchise tender, so he’ll still suit up for $11.441 million this season. The Giants did reportedly call about Harris when he was initially tagged, but Minnesota wasn’t interested in parting ways. Unlike a number of players who failed to negotiate successful long-term pacts, the 28-year-old safety seems inclined to keep with the Vikings for the foreseeable future. Expect the two sides to hash out an agreement next offseason.

It’s the value of the franchise tag. The two sides will have a couple months to work out a long-term deal, something both parties seem to be interested in, as of the latest reports. Minnesota would certainly like to get Harris signed long-term in order to get his cap number down.

Per reporter Chris Tomasson, Harris is committed to signing a long-term contract before the July 15 deadline. ESPN’s Josina Anderson reported four days ago that the sides were making progress toward a pact. They have been in active discussions for some time now. This seems like a multi-year agreement that will actually get done.

TwinCities.com reported in March that the two parties were “actively discussing” a long-term contract, and it sounds like progress is now being made. The Vikings placed the franchise tag on him before free agency began, possibly with the intention of trading him to a safety-needy team. With the 2020 NFL Draft just a few days away, it’s possible that trade talks pick up again. Harris is expected to command double-digit millions annually.

The Vikings placed the franchise tag on Harris this offseason with the plan of trading him for a mid-to-late round pick. They may not have received as much interest as they had hoped, so signing Harris to a long-term deal would be the next best option. Harris, who should command double-digits millions annually on a new deal, reportedly wants to stay in Minnesota. He was considered the top safety on the market at the beginning of free agency.

This will likely amount to nothing as the Vikings are asking for at least a third, possibly a second-round pick, for Harris. That is reportedly too much to give up for the franchise-tagged defender. The Vikings surprisingly tagged Harris with the hopes of trading him, but it’s unclear who will be a buyer. For now, we wait.

The decision to slap the franchise tag on Harris — an $11 million resolution — was a head-scratcher from the very beginning given Minnesota’s cap woes. With Jimmie Ward and Devin McCourty officially signed, it’s possible the Vikings find a hungry trade partner in the next 48 hours. Harris will likely command a new contract upwards of $14 million annually on his next deal.