Vikings safety Anthony Harris is coming off a down year, but so is the entire Minnesota defense.
Harris, who had six interceptions in 2019 and one in the postseason, had zero this season. The Vikings defense gave up the sixth most yards and fourth most points in the regular season. The depleted group can be blamed for much of Minnesota’s struggles in 2020.
So, is Harris worth keeping on the defense? He regressed, but he also has a pretty solid body of work.
PFF seems to think so. The outlet tabbed Harris as the free agent Minnesota can’t do without. Here’s what it said:
“Harris was the subject of significant rumors at the trade deadline once the Vikings’ season appeared to be all but over, but nothing materialized in a quiet market. Harris’ situation is similar to that of Justin Simmons in Denver, wherein a top veteran safety in Harrison Smith is still playing at an elite level but could be nearing the end of a Hall of Fame career.
Since the undrafted free agent turned star became a full-time starter with Minnesota in 2018, he has the second-best coverage grade among all NFL safeties (93.0).”
Harris is one of two big-ticket players in the Vikings free agency class this offseason. The other one, Eric Wilson, does not exactly have the best PFF score, so it makes sense that Pro Football Focus would tab Harris here.
That said, the outlet may have a point. I think a lot of people expect the Vikings defense to get better now that players like Cameron Dantzler and Jeff Gladney have more experience. Add in the fact that there should be more key players healthy and the group seems primed for progress.
However, losing Harris might inhibit improvement in pass coverage. Also, if he returns to his old self from 2018 and 2019, he might be worth taking a chance on. It’s a tough choice.
