According to KSTP-TV’s Darren Wolfson, speaking on his podcast, the contract negotiations between the Minnesota Vikings and Anthony Harris are “not quite going so well” and the possibility of trading the Pro Bowl safety during the NFL Draft is “back on the table.”
The Vikings placed the franchise tag on Harris prior to the start of free agency, but according to Wolfson, the attempts to work out a long-term deal with the Pro Bowl safety haven’t been productive.
“They can’t come to a happy medium on some of the guaranteed money [and] the structure of the contract,” Wolfson explained. “The Vikings would like to retain Harris long term and his top choice is to remain a Viking long term. But if they can’t come to a happy medium…I can see the Vikings being stubborn and trading him.”
Another option in lieu of a new contract would be playing the season under the $11.4 million franchise tag tender, but Wolfson doesn’t believe it’s a viable solution.
“I think of the three scenarios, long-term deal, trade or he just plays out the season on the franchise tag, I think playing out the season on the franchise tag is off the table. I would be very surprised at this point if that takes place.”
Wolfson mentions the New York Giants as a potential suitor, adding that former Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski, now the head coach in Cleveland, has eyed a reunion with Harris.
The Browns’ pursuit of Harris has gained more traction as Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot reported any deal would take a 2020 third-rounder at a minimum, but probably a second-rounder to get a deal done.
Harris was rated the third-best safety by Pro Football Focus last season and collected an NFL-high six interceptions.
