What comes next for Anthony Harris and the Vikings?

Best scenario for the Vikings?

One would think the best possible solution for the Vikings is to tie down Anthony Harris to a long-term contract.

Placing the franchise tag on the player gives them more time to make this happen. It also leaves Harris with more questions than answers as it looked like he was halfway out of the door just a few weeks ago.

There is little to dispute Harris’ importance to a Minnesota defense that is going to look a lot different next season. The cornerback position will have at least two new faces and the defensive front will also need strengthening after Linval Joseph was released.

Having two players like Harris and Harrison Smith at the back end was a critical piece in the Vikings securing a 10-6 record and making the playoffs last season. Harris is entering the prime of his career and it would be wise for Minnesota to ensure he remains part of the organization for the foreseeable future.

If they cannot do this, then the decision-makers for the Vikings will need to act quickly to make sure they get something in return for the safety. Quality producers from the safety position are normally highly sought after and there was going to be a tremendous amount of interest in Harris if he ended up on the free-agent market.

Franchise tagging him was a bold move and one Minnesota deserves credit for. More will need to be done for them to keep Harris on a multi-year deal, but this is something they are more than capable of if their recent moves are any indication.