Harrison Smith
Longtime Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith isn’t departing the franchise via trade, as some speculated amid the franchise’s cap-clearing options.
Smith restructured his deal on Thursday, saving the Vikings $6 million in 2022 cap space.
His roster bonus was converted to a signing bonus.
When new head coach Kevin O’Connell was hired by Minnesota, Smith was a player specifically name-dropped in the introductory press conference. While he could have theoretically been traded, the new coaching staff seemed to value Smith from the jump. And the contractual restructure confirms it.
Smith was drafted in the 1st Round of the 2012 NFL Draft, making the veteran safety the longest-tenured Vikings player on the current roster. Everson Griffen is a free agent, Kyle Rudolph was released in 2021, and Smith is the last man standing for longevity. Smith and teammate Adam Thielen are the only players to survive three coaching tenures with the Vikings (although Thielen was a practice squad participant in 2013 under Leslie Frazier).
In the last 15 total seasons, Smith is the only player in the NFL with 20+ interceptions and 15+ sacks. He’s championed for versatility, hard hits in an era where those are generally discouraged, and durability. Since entering the NFL in 2012, Smith leads the NFL in tackles among all safeties.
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His presence will be needed for the 2022 Vikings. As of March 16th, the team has one startable cornerback in Cameron Dantzler, so a lurking secondary character like Smith almost feels mandatory. Indeed, Minnesota will sign and draft corners, but they’re behind the eight-ball right now.
Last August, Smith signed a four-year, $64 million contract extension, essentially committing to Minnesota for the rest of his career — unless the team parts way with him via trade. And with a new leadership regime, predicting trades and such isn’t an exact science.
After Thursday’s news, though, Smith is confirmed as a vital contributor this September.
Smith turned 33 in February.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. His YouTube Channel, VikesNow, debuts in March 2022. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
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