Could The Vikings Look At Former Bears Safety Chris Harris?

by Christopher Gates on Oct 27, 2011 11:06 AM CDT in Minnesota Vikings 2011 Season

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. . .this post is coming to you live from the lovely Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California. Mrs. Gonzo is having some surgery done this morning, and this place has wireless internet, so I'm here in the lobby catching up on a few things.

So, while listening to the NFL Network on the way here this morning, the word came across the wire that our division rivals, the Chicago Bears, had dumped safety Chris Harris. If you'll remember, both Harris and Brandon Merriweather were benched prior to the Sunday night thumping the Vikings took in Chicago in favor of Chris Conte and Major Wright. In fact, Harris was deactivated entirely for that game. Harris, however, did start last week's game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in London, while Merriweather didn't play a snap in either of the past two games for the Bears.

I don't know if I'd use the word "shocking" to describe this move as much as I'd use the word "non-sensical." Merriweather is making significantly more than Harris, and has been just as bad. For crying out loud, Harris was an All-Pro safety just last season. Not a Pro Bowler, an All-Pro. I find it hard to believe that his play has fallen off that far. Factor in the fact that the only form of tackling Merriweather seems to be familiar with involves driving his helmet directly into the helmet of an opposing player, and the Bears seem to have significantly weakened themselves at the safety position.

Now, since Harris was released after the trading deadline, he will have to pass through waivers, which means that every team in the league will get a chance to claim him at his current salary. . .he's set to make $1.10 million this year, so whoever picked him up would only be looking at about half a million in salary considerations since we're half way through the year.

As far as the Vikings picking Harris up, waiver claims are processed based on records, with the team with the worst record having the highest priority. As it stands now, with a record of 1-6, the Vikings are fourth on the waiver priority list (as near as I can tell) behind the three teams that are still currently winless (the Indianapolis Colts, the Miami Dolphins, and the St. Louis Rams). So, if the Vikings wanted to put a claim in on Harris, they would be able to get him if none of those three teams put a claim on him first.

I think that Harris would be a nice addition to the secondary at a cheap price. I'm not sure who the team would dump to pick him up (cough TyrellJohnson cough), but he would certainly be a help to the secondary, in my opinion.

(Hat tip to bleedpurple426 for pointing this out in the FanShots first.)

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Comments

Like I said in the FanPost, probably not happening

Judd Zulgad and other beat writers have said there’s no momentum to it, at least yet. I’m guessing the Bears had a legitimate reason for cutting him, but who knows. At his price it wouldn’t be a huge risk, but it just sounds like there’s something else going on besides sub-par play here.

Proud contributor to Daily Norseman and SB Nation Minnesota.
Follow @eric_j_thompson

by Eric J. Thompson on Oct 27, 2011 11:14 AM CDT reply actions

Twitter

Hey Eric, how do you get the “Follow” button with your Twitter handle at the end of your posts? Love that. I’d like to do the same.

Sincerely, your friendly neighborhood Vikings, Red Sox, Heat, and Bruins fan: the oddest amalgamation of sports fanship you've ever heard.

by bleedpurple426 on Oct 27, 2011 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Here you go

I followed the instructions here. Just copy and paste the code into your signature and you should be good to go.

The follow button doesn’t seem to show up all the time right away when you comment, but I’ve found if you leave a post and then come back it shows up.

So, do I get a follow for the great advice? :)

Proud contributor to Daily Norseman and SB Nation Minnesota.
Follow @eric_j_thompson

by Eric J. Thompson on Oct 27, 2011 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks Man

Absolutely you do! Haha.

Sincerely, your friendly neighborhood Vikings, Red Sox, Heat, and Bruins fan: the oddest amalgamation of sports fanship you've ever heard.

by bleedpurple426 on Oct 27, 2011 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Test Post

Let’s see if this works…

Follow @austinnarber

by bleedpurple426 on Oct 27, 2011 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Aw Man

Mine looks different that yours.

Follow @austinnarber

by bleedpurple426 on Oct 27, 2011 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions

Never Mind

We’re good.

Follow @austinnarber

by bleedpurple426 on Oct 27, 2011 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions

My turn to try

"Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve."
George Bernard Shaw

"In those days the best painkiller was ice; it wasn't addictive and it was particularly effective if you poured some whiskey over it."
George Burns

by just another viking on Oct 27, 2011 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Ok that didn't work

"Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve."
George Bernard Shaw

"In those days the best painkiller was ice; it wasn't addictive and it was particularly effective if you poured some whiskey over it."
George Burns

by just another viking on Oct 27, 2011 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions

You get it

I’ll click it!

"I saw a wino eating grapes and I was like, dude, you have to wait!" - Mitch Hedberg

by abba7 on Oct 27, 2011 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions

KYLE GET IN ON ACTION

I'm at a loss for words.
Follow @KJSegall

Daily Norseman

by KJSegall on Oct 27, 2011 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Dang.

Mine looks different too. I has sad face now. :-( (See? <- Right over there. Sad face.)

I'm at a loss for words.
Follow @KJSegall

Daily Norseman

by KJSegall on Oct 27, 2011 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions

I know we’d probably need the depth..but dump tyrell johnson

by PURPpplEATER on Oct 27, 2011 11:14 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

Seems like it would be worth a shot

Honestly even if he would be horrible at least their would not be a drop off at the position… The only thing that would stop me from wanting to pursue this would be if Eric is right and their is something else to this, no need to take on more off the field issues if that were to be the case.

by MNSportsGuy on Oct 27, 2011 11:30 AM CDT reply actions

Ahh the good ol' Goleta Valley Hospital

I spent a drunken night there in the ER after knocking my teeth out biking home last year (UCSB student lol). Hope your visit was infinitely more pleasant than mine!

by StuckInCA on Oct 27, 2011 11:39 AM CDT via iPhone app reply actions

I’d think we’d be behind arizona, too since we both have 1 win, and we beat them…

by michiganpat on Oct 27, 2011 11:58 AM CDT reply actions

Yep

pretty sure that’s how it would work.

I'm at a loss for words. Daily Norseman

by KJSegall on Oct 27, 2011 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah we have the tiebreaker on the Cardinals.

"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain

SKOL VIKINGS!

by Landonio on Oct 27, 2011 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions

Id be more inclined to take him if he was a corner

Even tho safety is a problem area we need better corner play especially since Winfield and Cook are hurt and suspended.

I think Safety is needed just not as desperately as corner.

"Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve."
George Bernard Shaw

"In those days the best painkiller was ice; it wasn't addictive and it was particularly effective if you poured some whiskey over it."
George Burns

by just another viking on Oct 27, 2011 12:19 PM CDT reply actions

Two sides to this.

Well, three if you count the fact that I’m tired of picking up Bears rejects… even if he isn’t a WR.

1.)- Why not? As was pointed out, his salary shouldn’t be an issue. Since Chris Cook has been placed on indefinite suspension, we actually have a free roster spot as of right now (unless that’s been filled, which I haven’t heard about) so we wouldn’t even need to release anyone to make room, at least until Cook becomes available again. And it’s not like he could really do a lot worse than our current safeties- considering as Chris pointed out, this guy was no slouch as early as last year.

2.)- But… he’s not a spring chicken here. Granted, I’d say he’s got at least a good 3-4 years left in the tank- he’s no old man, either. That said, will he fit into our current ‘rebuilding’ process? I’d like to know more about why the Bears released him, too. Apparently, after being benched against us, he had asked for a trade. Heck, Berrian didn’t do that. (Granted, Harris probably had more belief that he COULD have been traded succesfully than Berrian. Not to mention, Berrian was probably well aware that the Vikings were the last team in the NFL who were ever going to make him a #1 receiver again.) If he’s going to cause some sort of trouble, or be any form of locker room cancer, then he’s the last thing this team needs right now.

If he makes it through the waiver wire to us, truth be told something tells me we won’t be making the move. I can’t quite put my finger on why but that’s just how I’m feeling. We’ve had enough issues in our secondary with the whole Cook fiasco, I’m not sure Frazier would be willing to even take a chance on a guy like this, regardless of the potential upside. Now, if Harris really isn’t a malcontent and was just unhappy with the Bears organization, and can bring at least solid play to the table for 3-4 years, then I say we’re dumb not to take the shot.

I'm at a loss for words. Daily Norseman

by KJSegall on Oct 27, 2011 12:23 PM CDT reply actions

Now that is

an ‘if’ that should be in capitals

by mezmo55 on Oct 27, 2011 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Have to remember

that Jerry Angelo isn’t exactly the greatest GM in the world in the mannerisms of how he’s treated his players as of late. The player who’s accounted for 46.8 percent of the entire offensive production alone (Matt Forte) won’t get paid, Chester Taylor was absolutely toyed with, Lance Briggs wanted more money, they SLAUGHTER a trade with the Ravens in the draft and then LIE about it, and now Chris Harris wants out? I don’t really see a problem with Chris Harris in Chicago; I see more of a problem with the front office. I don’t think theres a huge risk in taking him, but I’m not too sure we would do it even if we had the chance to pick him up.

"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain

SKOL VIKINGS!

by Landonio on Oct 27, 2011 12:44 PM CDT reply actions

dumb question....

if we get receivers that can’t catch, why don’t we convert them to DB’s?

troy williamson is a free agent, why not see if he’d like to come back and try catch passes for the defense instead of the offense?

or to get him out on the field, why not work with Joe Webb either as a corner, safety, or heck, he’s big enough, maybe even a linebacker?

by michiganpat on Oct 27, 2011 1:31 PM CDT reply actions

Because experience is valuable

Especially at DB, you have to know what to do instinctively, and that isn’t necessarily something you can just pick up.

Also, those guys have been playing offense and probably don’t want to play defense.

by amiller92 on Oct 27, 2011 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions

We actually did that in 2000

With a WR named Robert Tate – most embarrassing move since Wasswa Serwanga. Yikes – I hope we’re not that desperate.

by Torstein on Oct 27, 2011 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions

Forgot about that

But at least Tate was a guy who had contributed as a gunner on special teams coverage and had a demonstrated physicality.

I don’t actually remember how he did on D.

by amiller92 on Oct 27, 2011 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Ah yes, it was CC's idea to get him on the field

Actually Tate did not do too bad for being a WR one and CB the next. I believe if he would have fully devoted himself to that position he could have been good, not great, but good.

by nmvikesfan on Oct 27, 2011 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions

Not sure he'd fit in well here

Talked to some people down at Cat Scratch about this and they are of the opinion that the Hit Man is more of a run stopping safety and less of a pass coverage one. I think the Bears have a full roster of run stopping safeties and don’t need one of his age. It is a little odd though but then Lovie goes through safeties like Chris goes through new Packer members :D

All in all if the coaching staff needed some help against the run I wouldn’t have a problem with him.

Putting Ponder in isn't the question, it's the answer.

by Grime on Oct 27, 2011 1:54 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Lovie goes through safeties like Chris goes through new Packer members

I just lol’d

by Vikingsfan17 on Oct 28, 2011 3:07 AM CDT via iPhone app up reply actions

couldn't hurt

could it? Our safeties have not played well(see blown coverage 3rd qtr last Sunday). Has to be an upgrade, or we could cut him too.

by scottfromcmh on Oct 27, 2011 2:28 PM CDT reply actions

We are 1-6

I know the coaches aren’t going to admit it but the season is lost. In the back of their heads i’m sure they are well aware they aren’t having a shot at the play-offs this year. The big upside to this? We get a chance to have a 9 week LIVE game time try-outs for next year. This guy clearly can play at a high level. Bring him in and see if you think he could be a solid contributor to their style of defense.

If you ask me I think we need to limit our extreme needs going into the draft to as small of a sample as possible. O-line is the most coveted position so it’ll be hard to upgrade that position without doing it through the draft. We’re really thin at Corner, but I believe thats a position that can be easier sought after in Free Agency. Wide Receiver is as well. I’m happy with sanford at safety (Johnson was the guy burnt on coverage last week) because sanford was out with a concussion.

Anyhew—-grab him, play him, then decide if he’s worth it. You don’t grab him, someone else does, he plays at a high level, and we’re dumbasses. Even if he doesn’t play at a high level, you ditch him.

I hope we continue to play well like we did against Green Bay. Get this team some confidence for next year. Ideally i’d like 5 or 6 wins and draft 6-10. Draft the 1st or 2nd highest prospect linemen and a D-line or Linebacker with our 2nd. Attack FA for Corners/Safeties.
SKOL

by PurpleJesuZ on Oct 27, 2011 3:04 PM CDT reply actions

Don't disagree

Unless he takes playing time away from Mistral Raymond. I think we need to get better at safety – not necessarily younger like Chicago claims. I just want to make sure we’re giving our young guys some serious playing time the rest of this season. Is Tyrell Johnson any worse than Abdullah Iaintgotya? He’s terrible IMO.

by Torstein on Oct 27, 2011 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions

Am I the only one

Who is curious what his t-shirt says he stopped doing?

If it’s beating his wife, he might not fit in with the Vikes secondary.

by amiller92 on Oct 27, 2011 3:30 PM CDT reply actions

Thank you!

OK – that seriously made me LOL!!!

by Torstein on Oct 27, 2011 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions

just click on the photo. it opens up. it says "i've stopped listening..."

warcraft, you are my guitar hero !!!

by danny lloyd on Oct 27, 2011 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Impressive

A 29yr old man with little Stewie on his T shirt. I’m sure that went over big with Lovie.
Sign me up!!

by Torstein on Oct 27, 2011 3:41 PM CDT reply actions

lol, Iwas thinking the same thing!

I was like…“Ahhh…Nice shirt dude”

by chaosg on Oct 27, 2011 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Ah, so if you're older, you have to restrict your choice of clothing to things without pop culture icons on them.

Got it. I must have missed that “maturity memo” that was passed around.

Give me a break. LOL

I don’t like this situation at all and if it’s true Cook should probably be gone from the team, permanently but this remark was pretty asinine, imho.

by Wytefang on Oct 27, 2011 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions

yeah

I guess this 36 year old needs to retire his “Electric Mayhem World Tour ’79” T-shirt and his Weird Al “it’s all about the Pentiums” T-shirt…

did I just admit that? boy I AM a dork…

by michiganpat on Oct 28, 2011 6:41 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm for anything that gets Abdullah off the field

He was atrocious last week. The fact that it’s a player of Harris’ caliber is just icing.

by Cobra312004 on Oct 27, 2011 5:10 PM CDT reply actions

Abdullah is a joke

He was a political appointment and I don’t like politics mixed in with my sports. I watch sports to get away from politics; yet there is Obama and his union thugs making sure his “religious brothers” get to play…. its sickening to ad nauseam.

by Day1VikesFan on Oct 28, 2011 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Uh. Okay

That’s crazy talk, just so you know.

by amiller92 on Oct 28, 2011 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Uh. Okay

What are you, 5? You are way out of your league here son. You are still to young, ignorant, naive and gullible to make such a statement. This is years of working as a govt intelligence analyst aligning all the facts that reached this conclusion. When you have all the facts and insert them into the occurrence of events, there can be no other finding…unless you believe in coincidence, LOL.

by Day1VikesFan on Oct 29, 2011 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions

The Vikings' secondary is a shambles

Unless this guy is an axe murderer, he’s got to be better than what we’re fielding right now.

I say grab him and let him fill a safety slot, at least until we get our own mediocre safetys back.

Ah, ah,
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
SKOL!

by DCPurple on Oct 27, 2011 5:17 PM CDT reply actions

I've been saying after LT, safety is our next biggest need.

I would rather draft a safety in the second round, or sign someone younger entering their prime, than sign someone for the sake of signing someone because he is now available.

by nmvikesfan on Oct 27, 2011 10:27 PM CDT reply actions

Drafting and free agency doesn't help us now

If we give him a shot and he pans out, we can save the money/pick later. I don’t see why you don’t at least take a shot on him.

I don’t know what the draft looks like, but damn would I like to see us land an Ed Reed/Troy Polomalu safety in the first round next year that can anchor that secondary for the next 10 years.

by Cobra312004 on Oct 28, 2011 2:48 AM CDT up reply actions