Dec 17, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) looks on before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.
Harrison Smith is on tap for his 13th NFL season in 2024, and according to the Pioneer Press, this is last — beyond the shadow of a doubt.
Pioneer Press‘ Charley Walters wrote emphatically about Smith’s future last weekend, claiming the six-time Pro Bowler would call it quits after 2024. And he didn’t leave much to imagination or hedge the bet with any outlet wording.
“No doubt the coming season will be safety Harrison Smith’s last of 13 prolific seasons in Minnesota. There also is reason to believe this season will be the last for [Adam] Thielen after 11 distinguished years,” Walters wrote on Saturday.
Smith has not publicly announced 2024 as his swan-song season, but conventional logic suggests the end is near. The Hitman will turn 36 next February, and based on his style of play — yes, it takes hits to earn the nickname Hitman — it’s a mini-miracle that he’s still playing. Safeties rarely last until age 35.
In March, Smith agreed to a restructured contract that will pay him $9 million in 2024 amid questions about his return, retirement, or exit from the franchise. The mystery didn’t linger long, however, and Smith will patrol the back of Minnesota’s defense in 2024.
The Vikings’ defense ranked 24th per DVOA in 2022 under Ed Donatell and improved mightily in 2023 under Brian Flores — to the tune of 11th-best in the NFL. With new defenders Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, Shaquill Griffin, Jerry Tillery, Duke Shelley, and Blake Cashman, along with Jonathan Bullard’s and Smith’s return to the depth chart, Flores could nudge the Vikings’ defense into the Top 10.
Since joining the NFL in 2012, Smith ranks first among all defensive backs in tackles, first in QB hits, first in interceptions, second in sacks, and second in tackles for loss. He also experienced the new aforementioned defensive coordinator in Flores in 2023, which he seemed to enjoy to the utmost.
Four months ago, VikingsTerritory‘s Adam New, too, predicted 2024 as Smith’s final hurrah and wrote about the beloved Viking, “However the Hitman’s final chapter plays out, he will finish his career as an All-Pro (first team in 2017 and second team in 2018) and a six-time Pro Bowler. He is an absolute certainty to be inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor and has put together a career that is Hall of Fame worthy.”
Fans regard Smith as the Vikings’ best defensive draft pick since Kevin Williams in 2003. Some even place Smith higher than Williams in Vikings lore.
And per the Pioneer Press, this season is the last ride for Smith.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.