As free agency inches closer, we’ll continue previewing the impending market. One of the most interesting comparisons surrounds the safety position.
Anthony Harris and Justin Simmons are the consensus top two options at the position, but determining 
which should is the best option for a team in need of a new safety is a more difficult proposition. Harris, has been an established and proven veteran, while Simmons jumped to the top of the pack this year.
Harris, at 28, has ranked among the league’s best safeties in his time with the Vikings. Per Pro Football Focus (PFF), Harris ranked among the five best-graded safeties in both 2018 and 2019. Over the past two seasons, he’s nabbed 9 interceptions, recorded 17 passes defended, and 106 tackles.
While Simmons does not have the longevity and track record of Harris, the Bronco graded as the 2nd best safety this season, per PFF, receiving a 90.8 grade. Simmons recorded 4 interceptions, 15 passes defended, and 93 tackles this season alone, but never graded above 80.0 prior to this season.
Most compelling to his case, at just 26 years old, Simmons could be poised to be one of the best centerfielders in football, but will teams want to gamble on that over Harris’ proven track record?
There are a number of other solid options at safety including Jimmie Ward and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, but neither combine the health history and top end recent performance of Harris and Simmons.
Which safety do you prefer? Let us know in the poll below.
the poll doesn’t work.
This isn’t some fancy site like Hoops rumors or MLB trade rumors…the polls at PFR never work. But don’t worry, someday they’ll get the budget of Hockey Rumors.
gotcha. ty baine.
No poll for app
Harris #1. . Hate to see the Vikings lose him ..
No love for Jeff Heath? I’d love to see that dude on any team other than Dallas.
Dude’s never the healthiest, but Karl Joseph at least deserves a mention in the “solid” options.