Vikings Make More Moves, Tag Harris and Re-Sign Ham
The Minnesota Vikings already made a splash by re-signing quarterback Kirk Cousins. However, this wasn’t the most surprising move as it lowered Cousins cap hit and keeps consistency at the Vikings most historically volatile position. What is a a surprising move is the Vikings franchise tagging safety Anthony Harris.
The Vikings hadn’t used the franchise tag since they used it on linebacker Chad Greenway in 2011, and Jim Kleinsasser in 2003 before that.
Source confirms the Vikings are using the franchise tag on Anthony Harris. It's their first one since 2011 (on Chad Greenway) and third since 2000 (Jim Kleinsasser in 2003 was the other).
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) March 16, 2020
Harris’ tag number is expected to be around $11.441 million. The cuts of Linval Joseph and Xavier Rhodes, and Kirk Cousins’ extension, has allowed the Vikings to pay this number for one of the NFL’s top safeties.
Source says that the franchise tag amount placed on #Vikings safety Anthony Harris is $11.441 million.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 16, 2020
Harris, a former undrafted free agent, has worked his way up the roster and has been the Vikings starter for most of the last two seasons. Harris lead the Vikings in interceptions last season, and tied for the NFL’s most, with six picks.
C.J. Ham, the Duluth native and former Augustana product, will reportedly sign an extension with his hometown team. The deal is reportedly worth $12.25 million over four years, an average of $3.3 million a year.
It’s a 4-year deal worth $12.25M, source said. So on new money average, it’s $3.3M per year. https://t.co/YQqNI1jCLA
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
Ham made his first pro-bowl this season as a fullback. Over four seasons, Ham has 38 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, 302 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown. More importantly, he’s a key blocker for Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison.