Vikings use franchise tag on safety Anthony Harris
Minnesota Vikings defensive back Anthony Harris (41) intercepts a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons tight end Luke Stocker in the end zone during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Minneapolis.[(AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)]
The Minnesota Vikings made sure they wouldn’t lose one of their breakout players of 2019 Monday by using its "franchise tag."
KSTP Sports confirmed the team used the tag on safety Anthony Harris. ESPN Reporter Courtney Cronin reports the franchise tag tender is $11.441 million for safeties in 2020.
The team is expected to have many new faces, particularly on the defensive side of the ball next year due to several players hitting free agency this offseason, and Harris was expected to command a large enough deal that could’ve priced the Vikings out of the running for him. However, using the franchise tag means the team won’t lose Harris for at least another year.
Vikings reportedly agree to 2-year extension with Cousins, 3-year extension with Ham
Harris, a five-year veteran out of Virginia, has played his entire career with the Vikings but really burst onto the scene last season when he started 14 games and recorded 58 tackles, 11 passes defended and six interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
Monday was the deadline to use franchise and transition tags. The free agency negotiating period also opened Monday immediately after the tag deadline. Teams will officially be able to sign free agents when the new league year begins Wednesday afternoon.
On Monday, the Vikings also reportedly locked up two offensive starters, extending quarterback Kirk Cousins by two years and fullback C.J. Ham by three years.