Report: Vikings and safety Anthony Harris have been active in discussing possible long-term deal

Safety Anthony Harris’ status with the Vikings has been in the news a lot this offseason.

Harris was franchise tagged by the Vikings, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Then, it was reported that Harris could be a potential tag-and-trade candidate, per Rapoport.

Now, Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press reported that Harris and the Vikings have been active lately in discussing a long-term extension for the safety.

#Vikings just might keep Anthony Harris around. Sources say they've been active lately discussing possible long-term extension for him. One source believes now an increased chance of Harris being with them in 2020 either on franchise tag or long-term deal. https://t.co/vY7FzPGNe6

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 31, 2020

A source told the Pioneer Press there’s an increased belief that Harris will play for the Vikings in 2020, whether it is with the franchise tag or on a long-term deal. This is great news for a Vikings team that has already lost a significant number of players in the secondary this offseason.

If the Vikings can keep Harris, and put him alongside fellow safety Harrison Smith once again, the prospects for the defense are still good, despite reportedly losing two of the team’s starting corners from last season.

Not only has Minnesota reportedly lost Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes, but Mackensie Alexander, who was a nickel corner in 2019-20, reportedly signed elsewhere, too.