Veteran defensive back Harrison Smith will play his 14th season with the Minnesota Vikings after signing a one-year, $10.25 million contract that could be worth up to $14 million. He would forego retirement to play with the team that selected him 29th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft.
While retiring was an option for Smith, it looked like he still had much football left in him. Last season, he had 87 tackles, 10 pass deflections, and three interceptions under Brian Flores’ defensive scheme.
He has played 192 games for the Vikings, earning six Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro inclusions. Smith was a First-Team All-Pro member in 2017 and Second-Team All-Pro in 2018. Meanwhile, he was a Pro Bowler from 2015 to 2019 and in 2023.
Smith will rejoin a team that returned to the playoffs last season. While he will be one of the leaders in the Vikings defense, their quarterback situation remains uncertain.
-Lance Fernandez