Scouting the NFC North: 3 Vikings FAs Jacksonville Jaguars should target

The Jacksonville Jaguars could add one of the best free-agent safeties.

Last offseason, the Vikings applied the franchise tag on Anthony Harris, and although he has expressed his desire to stay in Minnesota, he may hit the free agent due to the team’s precarious cap situation.

Harris has been one of the best safeties in the NFL since he joined the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2015. Even though he hasn’t earned any Pro Bowl nods nor All-Pro designations, he’s played at a high level throughout his six-year career, logging 284 yards, nine interceptions, 28 passes defensed, and one forced fumble.

Even though Smith earned a 68.8 Pro Football Focus grade last season, he had an outstanding 91.1 in 2019 and 89.0 the season before. He can roam in the backfield or play close to the line of scrimmage. Either way, his versatility would give Jaguars’ new defensive coordinator Joe Cullen the ability to be creative when scheming this upcoming season.

While Jarred Wilson will start at one safety spot for the Jaguars in 2021, it’s uncertain who will play opposite of him. Daniel Thomas showed flashes of talent and started two games before being placed on the Injury Reserve list last season. If the Jaguars don’t feel comfortable giving the second-year safety a bigger role in the secondary and want to bring in an established veteran, Smith will be one of their best options in the open market.