DAILY CLIPS

MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020 LOCAL NEWS: Monday, May 18, 2020

Pioneer Press

Vikings safety signs franchise tender By Jace Frederick https://www.twincities.com/2020/05/17/vikings-safety-anthony-harris-signs-franchise-tender/

Star Tribune

Anthony Harris accepts franchise tender, says he will return to Vikings in 2020 By Chris Miller https://www.startribune.com/harris-accepts-franchise-tender-will-return-to-vikings-in-2020/570549772/

SKOR North

Safety Anthony Harris reportedly signs franchise tender with Vikings By Judd Zulgad https://www.skornorth.com/2020/05/safety-anthony-harris-reportedly-signs-franchise-tender-with-vikings/

NATIONAL NEWS: Monday, May 18, 2020

ESPN

Source: Vikings' Anthony Harris signs franchise tender By Courtney Cronin https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29186937/source-vikings-anthony-harris-signs-franchise-tender

CBS Sports

Anthony Harris signs franchise tag, says he wants to stay with Vikings long term By Cody Benjamin https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/anthony-harris-signs-franchise-tag-says-he-wants-to-stay-with-vikings-long-term/

NFL.com

Vikings S Anthony Harris signs franchise tender By Grant Gordon https://www.nfl.com/news/vikings-s-anthony-harris-signs-franchise-tender

Maven Media

What's Next for Anthony Harris and the Vikings? By Will Ragatz https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/whats-next-anthony-harris-vikings-franchise-tag-contract

MULTIMEDIA NEWS: Monday, May 18, 2020

Schrager Discusses If The Vikings Are Better or Worse Without Stefon Diggs? By NFL Network https://www.vikings.com/video/schrager-discusses-if-the-vikings-are-better-or-worse-without-stefon-diggs

Film Room: Can D.J. Wonnum Develop Into The Vikings' Next Elite Pass-Rusher? By Vikings Entertainment Network https://www.vikings.com/video/film-room-can-d-j-wonnum-develop-into-the-vikings-next-elite-pass-rusher

Harris Signs Franchise Tender By KSTP http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=1aafa852-9274-42c9-924a-45ffc7ca4f25

Vikings Harris Signs Franchise Tender for 2020 By KMSP http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=c0bb6808-6428-48b5-8918-c39fe89bc11d

Harris Signs Franchise Tender with Vikings By KARE http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=201b2f34-b49d-4171-95a7-52208616fb55

Harris Signs Franchise Tender By WCCO http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=56c9aea8-74b2-4c5d-a6d0-f55f710501b8

VIKINGS ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK NEWS: Monday, May 18, 2020

Monday Morning Mailbag: Assessing Young Cornerbacks & a Hall of Fame Debate By Eric Smith https://www.vikings.com/news/assessing-young-cornerbacks-a-hall-of-fame-debate

PUBLICATION: Pioneer Press DATE: 5/18/20

Vikings safety Anthony Harris signs franchise tender

By Jace Frederick

Vikings safety Anthony Harris has signed his franchise tender, according to multiple reports.

Minnesota’s all-pro safety will earn a guaranteed salary of $11.4 million this upcoming season. The Vikings franchise- tagged Harris back in early March in what was a bit of a surprise move at the time.

The deadline for Harris and the Vikings to ink a long-term contract is July 15. If that deadline comes and goes without a deal, Harris will play on the one-year contract this season.

“I will let my agents and the Vikings work towards long-term certainty in Minnesota,” Harris wrote in a statement posted to his Twitter account Sunday. “But I am excited to be back for the 2020 season.”

The 28-year-old safety tallied six in 2019, tying him for the league lead. After entering the league with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2015, Harris established himself as one of the NFL’s best over the past couple of years as a focal point of the Vikings’ defense.

RELATED ARTICLES Phyllis George, female sportscasting pioneer, dies at 70 Will the absence of sports impact mental health? ‘I think it’s more likely than not’ For Vikings’ , quarantine has been pleasant — and productive Mike Zimmer vows to have Vikings ready despite virtual offseason It’s been two months without sports; how close are Minnesota’s pro teams to a return? “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 am continuing to focus on what it takes to be successful both as a team and as an individual. 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.”

PUBLICATION: Star Tribune DATE: 5/18/20

Anthony Harris accepts franchise tender, says he will return to Vikings in 2020

By Chris Miller

Anthony Harris said he intends to be back with the Vikings in 2020, and the 28-year-old safety added he plans to remain in Minnesota for years to follow.

The NFL’s leader in interceptions last season wrote on social media Sunday that he will return. The Vikings placed a franchise tag on him in March to prevent him from becoming an unrestricted free agent.

There had been speculation that the Vikings were doing so as a formality before trading him. But instead, Harris is set to make $11.4 million in 2020 by accepting his franchise tender.

He has until July 15 to agree to a new deal with the Vikings.

“Since arriving in Minnesota with uncertainty as an undrafted free agent in 2015, I have accomplished my dream of playing in the NFL going from , to making the active roster, to becoming a full-time starter, to leading the league in interceptions,” Harris wrote on Twitter and Instagram.

“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!

“Although it has been a strange offseason, time spent in isolation with family has been refreshing and energizing. This is just one step in God’s plan for me and my family.

“I will let my agents and the Vikings work toward long-term certainty in Minnesota, but I am excited to be back for the 2020 season.”

Harris, who had six interceptions during the regular season and also picked off New Orleans’ in the playoffs, is only the third player tagged by the Vikings since 2000.

Anthony Harris career statistics

They hadn’t used the franchise tag since 2011, when they placed it on linebacker Chad Greenway before signing him to a long-term deal. They also used it on fullback Jim Kleinsasser in 2003.

The Vikings lost cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes, and Mackensie Alexander in free agency. They drafted three cornerbacks — Texas Christian’s Jeff Gladney in the first round (31st overall), Cameron Dantzler of Mississippi State in the third and Harrison Hand of Temple in the fifth.

The Vikings also took two safeties, Josh Metellus of Michigan (sixth round) and Brian Cole of Mississippi State (seventh).

Harris became a starter in 2018, replacing injured . The Vikings signed him as an undrafted free agent out of in 2015.

“I am continuing my focus on what it takes to be successful both as a team and an individual,” Harris wrote. “I am excited for the new challenges the 2020 season will bring, but I am most excited for the opportunity to bring a Super Bowl to Minnesota and the best fans in the country.”

PUBLICATION: SKOR North DATE: 5/18/20

Safety Anthony Harris reportedly signs franchise tender with Vikings

By Judd Zulgad

After the Vikings put the franchise tag on Anthony Harris in March, there was speculation he either might be traded or signed to a long-term extension in the coming weeks. Neither has happened and on Sunday the safety reportedly signed his tender for the 2020 season.

Harris posted the following Sunday on Twitter.

Ant Harris @HOOSDatDude Ready for another journey...Just so it’s no question what my expectations are and what type of energy I’m bringing for 2020... 🖐🏽 Let’s Go!!!

View image on Twitter 8,632 12:54 PM - May 17, 2020 Twitter Ads info and privacy 1,130 people are talking about this Harris, who will turn 29 on June 4, was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Vikings in 2015 and moved into a starting role in 2018. He started nine of the 15 games in which he played that season and had three interceptions and broke up six passes. Last season, Harris made 14 starts and tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions. He also broke up 11 passes.

The Vikings still have time to work out a long-term extension with Harris that would begin with the 2020 season. The deadline for that to happen is July 15. Otherwise, Harris will be guaranteed a salary of $11.44 million for this coming season.

The Vikings’ other safety, Harrison Smith, is due a base salary of $8.35 million with a salary-cap hit of $10.75 million. That means the Vikings will be committed to paying their starting safeties a combined base salary of $19.8 million in 2020 with a cap hit of $22.19 million. PUBLICATION: ESPN DATE: 5/18/20

Source: Vikings' Anthony Harris signs franchise tender

By Courtney Cronin

Minnesota Vikings safety Anthony Harris has signed his franchise tender, a source told ESPN on Sunday.

By signing the tender, Harris will be paid a guaranteed salary of $11,441,000 for the 2020 season. Harris and the Vikings have until the July 15 deadline to agree to a long-term contract.

"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," Harris wrote in a statement posted on Twitter.

Ant Harris @HOOSDatDude Ready for another journey...Just so it’s no question what my expectations are and what type of energy I’m bringing for 2020... 🖐🏽 Let’s Go!!!

View image on Twitter 8,634 12:54 PM - May 17, 2020 Twitter Ads info and privacy 1,130 people are talking about this Harris, 28, tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions during his breakout campaign in 2019 and has totaled nine over the past two seasons, including a pick against Saints Drew Brees in Minnesota's wild-card playoff victory in New Orleans on Jan. 5.

The safety first saw his way onto the field via special teams and became a starter at safety opposite Harrison Smith in 2018, when injuries to Andrew Sendejo paved the way for Harris' opportunity.

Harris entered the NFL in 2015 as an undrafted free agent from Virginia. Injuries at the end of his college career and subsequent shoulder and hand surgeries limited what he could do physically early on in Minnesota.

In addition to his nine interceptions, he has 180 tackles and 11 passes defensed over five seasons. PUBLICATION: CBS Sports DATE: 5/18/20

Anthony Harris signs franchise tag, says he wants to stay with Vikings long term

By Cody Benjamin

Minnesota Vikings general manager was noncommittal when discussing 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 season, 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. PUBLICATION: NFL.com DATE: 5/18/20

Vikings S Anthony Harris signs franchise tender

By Grant Gordon

Anthony Harris isn't going anywhere this season and he and the Vikings are still working to ensure a long-term future in Minnesota.

For now, though, the standout safety has signed his franchise tag tender, as he announced Sunday. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport added that Harris' agents and the Vikings will continue to work toward a long-term extension.

The Vikings applied the tag on Harris in mid-March and still have until July 15 to agree upon a long-term pact.

The 28-year-old Harris is a true success story in the NFL, having emerged from being an undrafted free agent in 2015 to a starter for the Vikings. A head-scratching Pro Bowl snub in 2019, Harris had an NFL-high six interceptions to go along with 60 tackles and 11 passes defended. PUBLICATION: Maven Media DATE: 5/18/20

What's Next for Anthony Harris and the Vikings?

By Will Ragatz

Vikings safety Anthony Harris signed his franchise tender on Sunday, making it all but certain that he'll be in Minnesota for at least the 2020 season. But what does this news actually mean, and what's next for Harris and the Vikings moving forward?

Signing the tender doesn't change much when it comes to the ongoing negotiations over a long-term contract between Harris's agents and the Vikings. However, it removes the possibility that Harris would hold out to start the 2020 season, which always seemed unlikely given his personality and his status as a former undrafted free agent.

Harris didn't have to sign this tender as the two sides continue negotiations, but doing so gives him a certain level of financial security. It guarantees that, at the very least, he will officially earn $11.44 million on the franchise tag in 2020. That's more than double his career earnings of $5.3 million through his first five seasons, over $3 million of which came last season.

Now, the two sides have until July 15th at 3 p.m. central time to work out a long-term deal. That is the NFL's "deadline for any club that designated a Franchise Player to sign such player to a multiyear contract or extension," per the NFL Operations website. "After this date, the player may sign only a one-year contract with his prior club for the 2020 season, and such contract cannot be extended until after the club’s last regular season game."

Harris has made it clear that he wants to sign a multiyear deal to stay in Minnesota for the foreseeable future. "Minnesota has become home and is where I want to continue to develop as a player having only scratched the surface," he wrote in his post on social media announcing that he had signed the tender. If Harris were to play the 2020 season on the franchise tag without a long-term deal, there would be the risk of a major injury or other factors that could significantly diminish his payday in free agency in 2021. Harris would also be 29 at that time, which could reduce his earning potential.

However, it's also possible that Harris will have another highly successful year in 2020 while on the tag and would then be in line for a similar payday next offseason from whatever team spent the most for his services. recently made headlines when he addressed Dak Prescott's contract negotiations by saying that "the franchise tag can be your friend."

“I don’t think it’s something to be disappointed with," Cousins said. "I think it enables you to be well-compensated, and deservedly so, for the upcoming season. Then, I always say the cream will rise to the top. If you’re good enough, the cream’s going to rise to the top, and you’re going to get compensated the way you want to.''

As things stand, the $11.44 million Harris would make on the tag is tied for the fifth-highest salary among NFL safeties in 2020, ahead of teammate Harrison Smith, who will make $10.75 million in the fourth year of a five-year extension he signed back in 2016.

The Vikings now have to decide if it's worth it to sign Harris to a lucrative extension. He is clearly an extremely talented player and a great homegrown story, but does it make sense to have two highly-paid safeties going forward? Mike Zimmer said earlier this offseason that "if you put up the positions most important on defense it's probably not going to be safety," which seemed to suggest at the time that the team was preparing to let Harris walk in free agency. Smith will be a free agent in 2022, so they'll also have to make a decision with him in the not-too-distant future.

The argument in favor of keeping Smith and Harris together in the future is that not only are they the league's best safety duo, but they can provide experience and stability in a secondary that is relying heavily on young cornerbacks, including rookies Jeff Gladney and Cameron Dantzler.

The Vikings do have around $8 million in projected cap space after they officially sign their rookie class, so the money is there to lock up Harris long-term. However, another factor to consider is that they're also in negotiations for a major contract extension with running back Dalvin Cook.

It's also still possible that the Vikings could trade Harris, though that seems highly unlikely at this point given that talks with multiple teams broke down earlier this offseason.

It will be fascinating to see how this all plays out before the July 15th deadline.

Check out the video at the top of this page to watch me discuss Harris signing the franchise tender – and what comes next – with Sports Illustrated video host Madelyn Burke.

PUBLICATION: Vikings Entertainment Network DATE: 5/18/20

Monday Morning Mailbag: Assessing Young Cornerbacks & a Hall of Fame Debate

By Eric Smith

Do you have a comment or question? Send it to the vikings.com Mailbag! Every Monday we'll post several comments and/or questions as part of the vikings.com Monday Morning Mailbag. Although we can't post every comment or question, we will reply to every question submitted.

Click here to submit a comment or question to the mailbag. Remember to include your name and town on the email. The questions below have been edited for clarity.

You can also send Eric a Mailbag question via Twitter.

What do you think about our young cornerbacks, and how will they do this season?

— Tayasir Ahmed in Minneapolis

Thanks for starting us off, Tayasir. To me, this is one of the most fascinating position groups to watch in 2020. Let's take a look at the 11 cornerbacks currently on the roster:

Mike Hughes, to me, is a player who has the chance to emerge as a key factor on this defense in 2020. He likely has something to prove, as both of his first two seasons have been cut short by injuries. He has the talent to be a No. 1 corner, and now is his time to prove it.

Holton Hill and Kris Boyd are names to watch as they got some experience as rookies in 2018 and 2019, respectively, and could now challenge for starting spots. Both played well on special teams this past season, and both have the chance to take a step forward on defense this year.

1-on-1 With Jeff Gladney

Marcus Sayles is an interesting name, in my opinion. He exceled in the Canadian Football League, and will be given a chance to show his skills in the NFL. Other youngsters such as Mark Fields, Kemon Hall and could be counted upon to provide depth on special teams and challenge for the final roster spots.

The drafted rookies could all fight for playing time. We'll have a deeper dive on this soon on Vikings.com, but Jeff Gladney, Cameron Dantzler and Harrison Hand all have the traits and skills that could fit with Mike Zimmer's scheme. Gladney, being a first-rounder, could be thrown into the mix to start right away, either in the slot or on the outside.

Nevelle Clarke was added as an undrafted free agent, but there was some buzz about him when he signed. He played with Hughes in college, so perhaps that helps his transition.

This group is the biggest X-factor for the Vikings heading into 2020. The established veterans are gone, and it's now up to the young guys to step up and play well.

Here's a fun one. Vikings tackles Gary Zimmerman and Ron Yary, guards Randall McDaniel and Steve Hutchinson and center Mick Tingelhoff are all enshrined in Canton. Zimmerman and Yary played left and right , respectively. But both McDaniel and Hutch played left guard. If you lined up that HOF OL as a unit, which guard would you move to right guard? And why? Would the odd pre-snap stance McDaniel used be a factor?

— Jeff Kilty in Sacramento

Love this question, Jeff. The Vikings certainly have a strong history of great offensive linemen, and hopefully the young players on the roster today — Brian O'Neill, Garrett Bradbury and Ezra Cleveland — become anchors on the line for years to come. I'm not saying they are going to be Hall of Famers, but they could be the building blocks for the line for the next decade or so.

As for your question, I'd move Hutch to right guard. Why? Because I don't think you can move McDaniel, a man who started 188 games, made 11 Pro Bowls and was a seven-time All-Pro in Purple. Hutch was a stellar left guard in his own right, but since his Vikings career was shorter than McDaniel, he can slide to the right. And no, the pre-snap stance for McDaniel wouldn't bother me. Whatever did he worked just fine.

Side note: McDaniel explained the origin of his stance as part of a tribute to Vikings original athletic trainer Fred Zamberletti in 2018.

The line of Zimmerman, McDaniel, Tingelhoff, Hutchinson and Yary would be a nightmare for an opposing defense. I can easily imagine the Vikings pounding the ball on the ground all game long. Imagine if Adrian Peterson ran behind this line? Or if Fran Tarkenton was under center? And you know that line would give any QB time to look for Randy Moss, Cris Carter or Steve Jordan down the field.

One can dream, right?

Vikings 2020 NFL Schedule by Next Gen Stats Take a Next Gen Stats look at the Vikings opponents in 2020. For more Next Gen Stats, be sure to check out nextgenstats.nfl.com.

The really good players know how to feel or sense opportunity to succeed. The unusual conditions that teams have to prepare and train for amounts to low-hanging fruit if the Vikings make sure they are ready to roll. It's right there for the Vikings!

— Sandy Hawkins

I like your optimism! Yes, the world is different as we normally know it right now, as is what a Vikings offseason usually looks like. Who knows what will happen this fall, but why not believe the Vikings can make a deep run?

Here is what Coach Zimmer said last week about what he tells his players during these uncertain times:

"I just tell them, 'The better we prepare ourselves to understand what we may have to go through, and what we have to do initially, especially early, it may end up giving us an advantage in how we can go out and go play.' "

It's up to the Vikings coaches and players to be ready to go if/when they get the call for training camp, the season, or whatever. You can bet Zimmer, a coach who doesn't get meddled in distractions, won't let his players use the pandemic as one, either.

Greetings from WA. I've enjoyed watching the Coach Zim's home interviews and admire his interior decorating skills! Who manufactures that wonderful wingback chair he sits in? Suffering in Seasquawk Land.

— Mark

Congrats, Mark, this is one of the most interesting questions I've ever gotten here. I'm not sure who Zimmer's interior decorator was. Maybe him, maybe his daughters, or perhaps he hired someone. Either way, there is no question that he has quite the place at his ranch in Kentucky, that chair included.

Heck, even Vikings Pro Bowl defensive end is jealous of Zimmer's layout at the ranch.

D Hunt™ ✔ @DHunt94_TX Gaaaahlee, I need a ranch like coach Zim

3,711 9:51 PM - May 13, 2020 Twitter Ads info and privacy 158 people are talking about this By the way, if you want an inside look at what Zimmer's days are like at the ranch, click here.