Vikings Make Surprise Harrison Smith Move Before Week 1
The Minnesota Vikings are welcoming back a familiar face after safety Harrison Smith signed a one-year, $12.25 million deal to return for his 15th season.
Smith has spent his entire NFL career with Minnesota, where he established himself as one of the league’s top defensive backs.
The 37-year-old is coming off posting 54 total tackles with one sack, one forced fumble, two interceptions, and 10 passes defended.
Smith is one of six defensive backs in NFL history to notch at least 35 interceptions and 20 sacks, which puts him alongside Charles Woodson, Brian Dawkins, Larry Wilson, LeRoy Butler, and Ronde Barber.
Over his career, he has tallied 21.5 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, 106 pass breakups, and 39 interceptions. His combination of sacks and interceptions is only bested by Barber (28 sacks, 47 interceptions).
The Vikings terminated his contract in March due to salary cap constraints, despite his not announcing his retirement.
Minnesota had operated as if he was going to step away from the game, using a third-round pick to take Miami safety Jakobe Thomas and signing Jamal Adams. However, Adams’ season-ending injury likely contributed to Smith choosing to return for another year.
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His return brings much-needed stability to the secondary as he remains an effective factor. He will likely assume a similar role this upcoming season, which could see him put together another formidable campaign.
The Vikings will kick off the 2026 season with a Week 1 matchup on the road against the Green Bay Packers.
