The Denver Broncos once turned to Jonathan Harris in their starting lineup, now he is turning back to the NFC for his next opportunity. It is where his career began as an undrafted free agent, and with a team he is familiar with.
“The #Vikings have signed DL Jonathan Harris,” Minnesota announced in a post on X amid a slew of roster moves.
CB Tyreek Chappell and DL Taki Taimani have been waived-injured.
This is Harris’ second stint with the Vikings.
Former Broncos DT Jonathan Harris Joins Vikings
GettyFormer Broncos DT Jonathan Harris is back with the Vikings.
Harris began his NFL journey with the Chicago Bears, but he made his greatest impact so far during his days with the Broncos.
The 30-year old appeared in 39 contests for the Broncos, starting nine of them. He logged 80 total tackles and 1.0 sack during his tenure, getting his most extended run on the field during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
He appeared in all 17 games during the latter campaign.
The 2023 campaign was also Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s first go-round in Denver, while Harris has also spent time with the Miami Dolphins.
In Minnesota, he joins a group that features rookie Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange, but lacks veteran leadership behind starter Jalen Redmond and backup Isaiahh Loudermilk, which bodes well for his chances of sticking around as long as possible.
The group is now 10-deep with Harris in the fold, though, so the ex-Broncos DT must battle.
For his career, Harris has appeared in 40 games, but still has only ever been a starter for the Broncos.
In Minnesota, Harris joins former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray, who arrives to get the Vikings back into the playoffs after 9-8 mark failed to qualify them last season. He also lands with defensive mastermind, coordinator Brian Flores.
Harris will occupy an interior spot, which means he may not see many playmaking opportunities.
However, he can still use his veteran savvy to get a leg up on some of his younger competition, in hopes of securing his spot on the Vikings’ roster.
Broncos Not Slated to Face Former Starter
GettyJonathan Harris will face one of his former teams this coming season in the Bears, but not the Broncos.
Harris and the Broncos will not cross paths this season unless he sticks with the Vikings or another team and they reach the Super Bowl. The Brocos must get there too. Still, it was not long ago that Harris was a key contributor to the Broncos.
He must find ways to show that kind of reliability to earn a spot on the Vikings’ roster.
Otherwise, Harris will be back in a familiar spot, but one thaat will rely more on circumstances that are beyond his control.
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