Using the franchise tag is not something the Minnesota Vikings do very often. In fact, the last time it happened was back in 2011 when they placed the tag on linebacker Chad Greenway.
On Monday, however, the Vikings decided to utilize the franchise tag to keep safety Anthony Harris around for the 2020 season according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. The tag will prevent Harris from signing with another team this year, but Minnesota can still trade him if they are presented with an enticing offer.
Financially, using the franchise tag on Harris was likely the cheaper route for the Vikings to take.