Vikings News: Anthony Harris unable to agree to new deal before deadline

Wednesday featured some Minnesota Vikings news related to their talented safety.

Anthony Harris made the most of his opportunity to be a full-time starter for the Minnesota Vikings last season. Harris’ patience as a backup proved to be worth it as he ended the 2019 campaign tied for the NFL lead in interceptions.

Unfortunately for the Vikings, the talented safety’s contract expired at the end of this past season and he hit free agency. Most figured Harris would sign elsewhere, but Minnesota made the surprising decision to slap him with the franchise tag in March.

On Wednesday, the Vikings had until 4 p.m. ET to get a new deal done with the 29-year-old safety if they wanted to avoid him becoming a free agent again in 2021. When the deadline came though, there was no announcement from Minnesota regarding a new contract for Harris.

Vikings News: Anthony Harris does not get the extension he was hoping for

Throughout the current offseason, Harris has made it clear multiple times that he would like to continue his career in a Vikings uniform. While this is still entirely possible, the two sides being unable to get a new deal done this year still puts his future with Minnesota in doubt.

At the very least, the Vikings should be excited about Harris remaining with them for the upcoming season. Minnesota has a very young secondary and they’re going to need the help of Harris and fellow safety Harrison Smith to make sure the team’s defensive backfield is still solid.

In addition to the Vikings not giving their veteran safety a new contract on Wednesday, it was also revealed that the team had discussions with the New York Giants about a possible trade involving Harris back in March according to NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo.

Obviously no deal with the Giants was ever made, but it certainly would have made things much more interesting for Minnesota’s secondary if he actually did get dealt. With the extra money the Vikings would have saved by trading Harris, there’s also a chance that giving Dalvin Cook the extension he wants is a much easier decision for the team to make.

For now though, Minnesota knows Harris will be back on the field for them during the upcoming season to team up with Smith and continue on as the top safety duo in the NFL.