This Browns-Vikings Trade for Anthony Harris Could Work
The Cleveland Browns desperately need help at the safety position in 2020. The team has three players at the position on the payroll and the lack of experience is concerning.
One player linked to the Browns in trade rumors is Minnesota Vikings safety Anthony Harris. The Vikings placed a franchise tag on Harris, but the connection between him and new Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski makes it clear why there is interest in a trade.
Report: Browns exploring trade for Anthony Harris https://t.co/KF7E6PKXyd
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 17, 2020
The initial rumors claim it could take a second-round pick. However, a scenario the Browns would likely prefer is to send a third-round pick along with a sixth-rounder. In 2020 the Browns own picks No. 74 and No. 97 in the third round and pick No. 187 in the sixth round. Parting with two picks instead of pick No. 41 overall could sway the Vikings.
The #Vikings surprisingly applied the franchise tag to safety Anthony Harris but acknowledged to teams that Harris could be had for a mid-to-late round draft pick, source said. A potential tag and trade candidate.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2020
The Vikings have just over $12 million in cap space. Trading Harris moves the $11.4 owed to him and could bring back two picks in return. Such a trade is necessary for the Browns now that the safety position is led by second-year player Sheldrick Redwine.
Moving Harris saves the Vikings over $11 million and should bring back the two picks in return. The Browns get a proven safety who had six interceptions in 2019. The connection between Harris and Stefanski is there and the veteran would arrive as a leader on Day 1.