The New York Giants Should Trade For Vikings Safety Anthony Harris

The New York Giants spent much money in free agency this offseason. They made a couple of splash signings on defense with linebacker Blake Martinez and cornerback James Bradberry. But New York’s defense still has room for improvement.

The 2020 NFL Draft will take place in sixteen days. Rumors indicate that the Giants are going to prioritize upgrading the defense in the draft. New York has invested a sizeable amount of draft capital into their secondary over the past two seasons. But there are some talented safeties in this year’s class that the Giants could plug into the rotation along with Jabrill Peppers and Julian Love.

Outside of the NFL Draft, there is still a way for New York to acquire an uber-talented safety. Prior to the New League Year, the Giants reportedly did have an interest in signing Anthony Harris. Unfortunately, the Vikings placed the franchise tag on Harris, keeping him off the open market. But the elite Vikings safety is still available if the Giants are still interested. According to Ian Rapoport, the Vikings “acknowledged to teams that Harris could be had for a mid-to-late round draft pick.” The highest-graded safety in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus, could be acquired via trade for a mid-to-late round pick. This is something the Giants should be all over- and apparently, they are.

Anthony Harris Back On The Trade Block

According to new reports, an Anthony Harris trade possibility is “back on the table.” Darren Wolfson of KSTP-TV reports that the contract negotiations between the Minnesota Vikings and Anthony Harris are “not quite going so well.” Later in the report, “Wolfson mentions the New York Giants as a potential suitor.” The rumors seem to indicate that the Giants are attempting to trade for Harris, though the Vikings might have their price set a little too high.

With the NFL Draft just sixteen days away, the Vikings and Giants would have to come to terms on a trade pretty soon if it is going to happen. The deal would involve moving draft capital and could shift each team’s respective draft plans.

Why The Giants Should Make This Trade

The price of trading for Anthony Harris is unknown. However, the initial asking price at the start of free agency, according to Ian Rapoport, was a “mid-to-late round draft pick.” If the price has gone up marginally, it still is likely a bargain deal for one of the best safeties in the NFL.

Anthony Harris is a ball-hawking coverage safety. In 2019, the Vikings safety led the NFL in interceptions with 6 picks, one of which was a pick-six. He also added 11 passes defended and 60 combined tackles (with only 3 missed tackles), both of which were a career-high. Quarterbacks struggle to throw into Anthony’s coverage. Harris had a 44.2 passer rating allowed when targeted. His coverage was targeted 23 times, and he allowed 15 completions for only 151 yards, 0 touchdowns, and those 6 interceptions.

Trading for Anthony Harris would instantly upgrade the Giants’ secondary. A move like this would not push any talent to the bottom of the depth chart, either. Jabrill Peppers will still start at strong safety. Julian Love will be able to move back to his original position, slot cornerback. A secondary featuring Harris, Peppers, Love, Baker, and Bradberry could be a quarterback’s worst nightmare.