The Philadelphia Eagles inked former Minnesota Vikings safety, Anthony Harris to a one-year, $5 million deal Friday evening. Harris will likely slot into the Eagles defensive backfield as the starting free safety in the 2021-22 season.
In signing Harris, the Eagles are getting a legit PLAYMAKER.
Anthony Harris was the NFL’s co-leader in interceptions in 2019 with 6. Harris has amassed 9 interceptions, 28 pass breakups, 4 fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble over the course of his 6 year career. Harris brings 81 career games, along with 47 starts to the Philadelphia Eagles defense.
Harris has a connection to the organization in the form of Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, who Harris played under for the first 3 years of his career when Gannon was the Vikings assistant defensive backs coach.
Harris will be a hand in glove fit for Gannon’s zone based scheme, which requires it’s safeties to possess ample range in pass coverage. Harris was PFF’s highest graded safety in 2019 and has been their number one ranked safety since 2018.
Harris also offers versatility in his usage. At 202 lbs., he’s one of the lighter safeties in the league but he possesses the ability to line up at either safety position, nickel cornerback, or in the box (About 40% of Harris’ snaps in 2020 came from the slot or in the box). Harris offers the versatility to be used in a number of different packages in Jonathan Gannon’s defense.
To be able to sign a safety of Harris’ caliber for $5 million for one-year is very much a bargain. This free agent acquisition is reminiscent of another veteran safety signing of the past, the Eagles 2015 signing of Walter Thurmond—A bargain signing that will yield significant production. This signing has the potential to be the steal of free agency.
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