Are the Vikings playing a dangerous game with Anthony Harris?

Zimmer’s comments on Harris

So, what exactly did Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer say that got everybody thinking Anthony Harris is not part of the team’s long-term plans?

Speaking to reporters at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine, Zimmer stated:

"“I love Anthony; if he doesn’t come back, I think he’s earned whatever he’s gotten. But, you know, if you put up the positions that are most important on defense, it’s probably not going to be safety. We’ll figure out a way to find one if he’s not back. He stepped in for (Andrew) Sendejo when Sendejo got suspended or whatever it was. It’ll all work out.”"

If Harris was listening, then there is no doubt he will have taken these comments as a sign to move on. There was not even the slightest indication that Minnesota is going to be offering him a deal.

Given his elite level of play, Harris would have every right to feel insulted by Zimmer’s comments. This is a player who fought hard to get into a starting position and he was arguably the Vikings’ best defender in 2019 alongside stud pass-rusher Danielle Hunter.

Safety might not be the most important part of the field according to Zimmer, but it got Minnesota’s dismal cornerbacks out of trouble on countless occasions during the season before eventually falling at the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs.

Harris was a massive part of that and his partnership with Harrison Smith was among the best in the NFL at safety last year. Zimmer might do well to remember that before writing off Harris’ chances of staying with the Vikings.