Vikings reportedly considering an extension for Anthony Harris

After exploring the possibility of trading their veteran safety earlier this offseason, the Minnesota Vikings are now reportedly looking into a long-term extension for him.

Before it was later overshadowed by the trade of Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills, the decision to use the franchise tag on Anthony Harris was the most surprising move made by the Minnesota Vikings when this year’s free agency period kicked off.

Many figured Harris already had one foot out the door and the Vikings had said their goodbyes. But then Minnesota tagged him and the safety remaining with the team for next season became a much more realistic possibility.

Despite tagging Harris, the Vikings still looked into the option of trading the safety this year according to multiple reports. Minnesota hasn’t been able to agree to a deal with another team yet this offseason, so now they are apparently turning their attention to figuring out how to keep Harris around past 2020.

According to the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson on Tuesday, the Vikings are currently considering a long-term extension for the safety and the chances of him remaining with the team for next season have increased.

It doesn’t seem like much of stretch to think that some of the departures Minnesota has recently experienced have played a factor them now looking for a way to keep Harris with the team. The Vikings’ top three cornerbacks from 2019 are now elsewhere and the team would likely be better off making sure their talented safety duo from last season returns in 2020.

An extension for Harris could also result in his cap hit lowering for this year, which would allow Minnesota to potentially make some more impactful roster moves before next season. The Vikings are reportedly interested in trading for Washington Redskins left tackle Trent Williams and lowering Harris’ 2020 cap hit would certainly make a blockbuster deal like this much more possible.

Until ink is put to paper though, don’t assume an extension for the safety is complete. Minnesota is still probably going to listen to trade offers for Harris and if they like one of them, then a deal might be made.

The Vikings have already proven once this year that if the right offer comes along for a player (Diggs), then they’re going to take it. Expect the same train of thought to still be in place for Harris until he’s actually suiting up in purple and gold next season.