Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions selected Harris in the third round (81st overall) in the 2019 NFL draft. [3] They traded their 2019 third (88th overall) and sixth round picks (204th overall) to the Minnesota Vikings in order to acquire the is 81st overall pick to draft Harris. [4] The Minnesota Vikings went on to trade both of the picks to the, Seattle Seahawks. He was the seventh safety drafted in 2019. He was reunited with Lions defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni, who coached the defensive line at Boston College during Harris' time there.
On June 4, 2019, the Detroit Lions signed Harris to a four–year, $3.72 million rookie contract that includes a signing bonus of $952,244. [5]
Throughout training camp, Harris competed against Tavon Wilson, Charles Washington, and Andrew Adams to be a primary backup safety under defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni. [6] Head coach Matt Patricia named Harris a backup safety, behind starting safeties Tracy Walker III and Quandre Diggs to begin the regular season. [7]
On September 8, 2019, Harris made his professional regular season debut during the Detroit Lions' season–opener at the Arizona Cardinals, but was limited to one solo tackle as they tied 27–27. In Week 6, he collected a season-high seven combined tackles (three solo) during a 22-23 loss at the Green Bay Packers. On November 3, 2019, Harris earned his first career start after Tracy Walker injured his knee. He recorded five combined tackles (two solo) during a 24–31 loss at the Oakland Raiders. In Week 17, he made four solo tackles, a pass deflection, and had his first career sack on Aaron Rodgers as the Lions lost 20–23 to the Green Bay Packers. He finished his rookie season in 2019 with a total of 43 combined tackles (30 solo), three pass deflections, and a sack in 16 games and six starts. [8]
Harris was named the Lions starting free safety in 2021, recording 93 tackles, four passes defensed, and a forced fumble through 17 starts. He split his time between safety, nickel, and outside cornerback.
In 2022, Harris was named a backup cornerback behind Jeff Okudah and Amani Oruwariye. He was later named the starting nickelback. [9]
On March 14, 2023, the Detroit Lions signed Harris to a fully-guaranteed one–year, $2.58 million contract that includes an initial signing bonus of $152,500. [10] [5]
New Orleans Saints
On May 1, 2024, the New Orleans Saints signed Harris to a one–year, $1.29 million contract that includes $491,500 guaranteed upon signing and an initial signing bonus of $167,500. [11] [5] He was named the Saints starting strong safety in 2024, starting 13 games while recording 74 tackles, five passes defensed, and one interception.
