Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman was noncommittal when considering the future of veteran safety Anthony Harris earlier this offseason, but if you ask Harris, there's no question where he wants to continue his NFL career.
After signing the Vikings' 2020 franchise tag, per NFL Network, the defender took to Twitter to declare his hope for a long-term agreement with Minnesota.
"During the past five years, Minnesota has become home and is where I want to continue to develop as a player having only scratched the surface," Harris wrote. "I will let my agents and the Vikings work towards long-term certainty in Minnesota, but I am excited to be back for the 2020 season ... I am excited for the new challenges the 2020 season will bring, but I am most excited for the opportunity to help bring a Super Bowl to Minnesota and the best fans in the country."
Harris' remarks echo his own words from just before free agency, when he said he'd "definitely like to stay" in Minnesota.
They now indicate, however, that the veteran could be willing to play this season under the tag, which would pay him approximately $11.4 million. That's notable considering early-offseason speculation that Minnesota could look to trade Harris in order to free up salary cap space.
Undrafted out of Virginia in 2015, Harris had a breakout season in 2019 as a first-time full-time starter. A backup behind Harrison Smith and Andrew Sendejo for the first four years of his career, he led the NFL with six interceptions in 14 starts last campaign, while also logging a career-high 60 tackles and 11 pass breakups.
Harris and the Vikings have until July 15 to reach a long-term agreement; otherwise, the safety will only be eligible to play under the one-year tag in 2020.
