3 Other Players the Vikings Can Release for Cap Space Purposes to Keep Anthony Harris in Minnesota

The Minnesota Vikings have starred on what has been a headline-filled franchise tag deadline day.

To start, the organization agreed to a two-year, $66 million contract extension with quarterback Kirk Cousins. Then, it was reported that the Vikings were planning to franchise tag standout safety Anthony Harris, who was originally expected to hit the open market this offseason.

There's only one problem with that agenda: Minnesota likely wont have the cap space to pay Harris his dues. The tag for safeties would see the Virginia product bank approximately $11.44 million in 2020. To make this work, in addition to making other moves, the Vikings will have to cut even more players.

Let's highlight a few more expendables the team could part ways with after already axing Linval Joseph and Xavier Rhodes.

3. Shamar Stephen

Vikings DT Shamar Stephen / Quinn Harris/Getty Images

We didn't even think twice about including Stephen on this list. After spending 2018 with Seattle, Stephen returned to the Vikings last season and was largely invisible on the defensive line. The 29-year-old recorded 21 tackles, seven QB hits, and one sack while playing 53% of the defensive snaps. Again, cutting Stephen should be an easy decision for Minnesota to save money against the cap.

2. Riley Reiff

Vikings OL Riley Reiff getting torched by Bears LB Khalil Mack / Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Add Reiff to the list of players that the Vikings foolishly signed to lucrative contract extensions. The 31-year-old vet hasn't come close to proving that he's worth his five-year, $58.75 million contract. Releasing Reiff would save Minnesota roughly $9 million, and the organization honestly shouldn't even think twice about it.

1. Kyle Rudolph

Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph in the Wild Card Round against the Saints / Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Rudolph is a fine tight end, but his production doesn't nearly legitimize the Vikings giving him a four-year, $36 million contract last offseason. Releasing the two-time Pro Bowler would come with just $5.8 million in dead money, which is a sum that Minnesota should happily take on the chin. Rudolph's been a valiant soldier for the Vikings, but his refusal to take a pay cut last year could affect his standing this time around.