The Minnesota Vikings and safety Harrison Smith agreed to a revised contract for the 2025 season on Wednesday night, a source told The Athletic's Alec Lewis. Smith's new deal is worth around $11 million, with incentives bringing it up to $14 million. Neither defensive coordinator Brian Flores nor head coach Kevin O'Connell wanted to lose six-time Pro Bowl defensive back who is the heart and soul of the Vikings defense. The 36-year-old veteran has spent all 13 years of his NFL career in Minnesota after being selected with the 29th overall pick in the 2012 draft out of Notre Dame. Although Smith has only had 100 total tackles twice in his 13 years, he remains a stalwart tackler and ball-hawking safety for fantasy managers in IDP formats. Last year in 16 regular-season games, he had 87 tackles (56 solo), a sack, three interceptions, 10 pass breakups and a fumble recovery.
Minnesota Viking safety Harrison Smith said there is no current plan to retire, but he will consider it this offseason, according to Andrew Krammer of The Minnesota Star Tribune. The 35-year-old was mulling a decision to retire last offseason before reaching a restructured contract with the organization. The 2012 first-round pick out of Notre Dame has played in 193 games across 13 seasons for Minnesota. He's racked up 1,127 total tackles (823 solo), 20.5 sacks, 12 forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries, 37 interceptions, and 97 pass deflections en route to two All-Pro honors and six Pro Bowl nods. Smith missed just one start in 2024 and is impressively still a starting-caliber defensive back in the league. He is scheduled to be a free agent during the 2025 offseason, which could impact his decision of whether to hang up the cleats or keep competing.
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (foot) was upgraded to a full participant during Thursday's practice session. Smith opened the week as a limited participant after battling through a foot injury during last week's win over the Green Bay Packers. The fact that Smith was able to get through a full practice session on Thursday means that he should be good to go for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions. The All-Pro safety is a big part of this defense with 83 tackles, nine passes defended, and two interceptions in 15 games this season.
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (foot) was a full participant during Thursday's practice session. This is good news after Smith sat out of practice to open the week, but a full session puts him in the right direction ahead of Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers. The veteran safety sat out of last week's game due to a foot issue, but could return this weekend. His return to the field would be a huge lift to this secondary. Smith has 79 tackles, nine passes defended, and two interceptions in 14 games this season. If he sits, Jay Ward would likely be asked to start at strong safety.
According to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. The safety was initially deemed a game-time-decision but will set his sights on returning in Week 17. Smith logged two limited practice sessions this week and was a non-participant for one of them. As a result, Jay Ward could see an increase in snaps on Sunday afternoon. Across 14 games this season, Smith has tallied 79 tackles (51 solo) with one sack, two deflections, and two interceptions.
Six-time Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith has agreed to a restructured contract and will play his 13th season with the Minnesota Vikings at age 35 in 2024, according to sources. Smith was the 29th overall pick in 2012 by the Vikings out of Notre Dame. He has 34 career interceptions and has become one of the best safeties of his era in the NFL. Smith set a career-high in defensive snaps played last year and had 93 tackles (60 solo), a career-high-tying three sacks, six QB hits and three forced fumbles in 17 starts. It was good enough to place him at No. 35 in overall fantasy points among defensive backs in IDP setups. While not necessarily an every-week starter in those fantasy formats, Smith has remained productive well into his 30s and can be a streamer at the defensive back position.
Harrison Smith Restructures Contract To Remain In Minnesota
The Minnesota Vikings and safety Harrison Smith agreed to a restructured contract on Thursday for him to remain with the team, and he'll get $8 million in 2023 with $2 million available in incentives. Smith will return in 2023 for his 12th year with the Vikings. The six-time Pro Bowler finished last year with 85 tackles (66 solo), a career-high-tying five interceptions, 10 passes defensed and a forced fumble in 14 regular season starts. The 34-year-old had a career-high 114 total tackles in 2021, so he remains relevant as a starting defensive back in IDP fantasy leagues.
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith ($19.1 million salary cap hit in 2023) could be asked by the team to restructure his contract this offseason or take a pay cut. Smith is expected to remain with the organization in 2023, even if it's with a reworked salary. The biggest cap casualty for the Vikings could be two-time Pro Bowl receiver Adam Thielen. Smith remained valuable in IDP formats in 2022, posting 85 tackles (66 solo), 10 passes defensed and five interceptions in 14 regular season games. However, it was the first time since the 2016 season that the 34-year-old played in fewer than 15 games in a season. Smith is so valuable to Minnesota's defense because of his versatility as a defensive back.
Harrison Smith, Kene Nwangwu Will Play In Wild Card Round
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (knee) and running back/kick returner Kene Nwangwu (illness) are both active for Sunday's playoff game against the New York Giants. Smith, 33, played in 13 games this regular season, logging 84 tackles, one forced fumble, and five interceptions. Meanwhile, Nwangwu registered a league-leading 35 kick returns for 920 yards (and one touchdown). Both players will look to make an impact in this pivotal win-or-go-home game for Minnesota.
Harrison Smith, Za'Darius Smith Won't Suit Up Sunday
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (knee) and pass rusher Za'Darius Smith (personal) are both inactive for Week 18 against the Chicago Bears. The former had been ruled out ahead of time while the latter was questionable. Harrison Smith finishes the regular season with 84 tackles, five interceptions, and one forced fumble through 14 games. Meanwhile, Za'Darius Smith registered 44 tackles, 10 sacks, and two forced fumbles over the course of 16 contests.
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