Vikings Myths and Misses: Harrison Smith to CHI, Jonathan Allen, Mansoor Delane
As the NFL draft approaches, Minnesota Vikings-themed rumors and misconceptions are circulating, as they always do this time of year. It’s important to address some of the speculation promptly, so here’s a look at the rumors that simply aren’t true.
Three Vikings rumors made noise this week, and each one needs context.
Each week, this column debunks dubious narratives surrounding the Vikings, as well as ideas that never had a chance of becoming reality — or stuff that just didn’t work out as planned.
Breaking Down the Week’s Shakiest Minnesota Talking Points
These are the Nopedy Nopes with the NFL draft about 3.5 weeks away.
The Nopey Nope: The Bears will sign Harrison Smith.
DaWindyCity.com‘s Ernesto Cova thinks Smith, a lifelong Viking, is a real free-agent option for the Bears.
He wrote this week, “The Bears should make a run at Harrison Smith. Smith is still a free agent, and the Bears could certainly use some help at strong safety. Given Smith’s age, he’s obviously not going to be a long-term solution at the position. That said, the Bears’ Super Bowl window is wide open right now, and he’s the type of proven veteran who can help this young team push through in the second year of the Ben Johnson era.”
“The Chicago Bears already lured a former divisional rival to the Windy City. And even though the addition of WR Kalif Raymond may not be as impactful, bolstering the team while hurting an NFC North rival is a double win. Now, GM Ryan Poles might repeat that approach, this time to bolster the defense with a Minnesota Vikings star.”
A six-time Pro Bowler, Smith has never indicated interest in playing elsewhere, despite speculation that he could, in theory, find a new team. Smith’s situation this offseason has never been about exploring free agency, an opportunity that passed years ago without his pursuing it.
In 2026, his decision will be straightforward and personal: retire or return for a 15th season in Minnesota. The Vikings and their fans recognize this reality, even staging a retirement ceremony for him at U.S. Bank Stadium in January following the season finale against Detroit.
While longtime teammates like Adam Thielen and C.J. Ham have moved on, Smith remains undecided. His choice is imminent and hinges on a single question: should he return for a 15th year, or retire?
One thing is for certain: he won’t sign with a Vikings rival on his way out the door.
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on Smith signing in Chicago. Like really?
The Nopey Nope: Jonathan Allen adds a major boost to the Bengals’ defensive trenches.
ESPN’s Seth Walder didn’t hold back on Cincinnati’s move for Allen, grading it harshly and questioning the payoff.
He explained, “Grade: D. A year ago, I handed the Vikings a D+ for signing Allen to an expensive contract shortly after he had been cut by the Commanders, a deal that called for him to make $16.2 million in 2025 and fully guaranteed $8 million of his $17 million in cash due in 2026. Now this year, the Vikings cut Allen after a lackluster first season in Minnesota, and the Bengals are going to pick up some of the tab and then some.”
“Cincinnati needs to improve its defense, and I understand wanting more pass rush from its interior. B.J. Hill, T.J. Slaton and Kris Jenkins Jr. all had below-average pass rush win rates for a defensive tackle last season. But this is too much to pay for what will likely be too little.”
The Vikings also parted ways with defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, who quickly landed in Green Bay, earning a ‘B-‘ from Walder for that signing.
Walder continued, “Allen was a very good defensive tackle earlier in his career. But the numbers clearly paint a picture of a 31-year-old player who is well into his decline. And I think the Bengals are overpaying him based on what he did several years ago. There’s another wrinkle here that affects Allen’s old team.”
“Though the Vikings had guaranteed $8 million of Allen’s 2026 money, the defensive tackle had offset language in that deal. Which means that the Vikings could receive a cap credit at the end of the season for whatever the Bengals pay Allen in 2026. While we don’t know the structure of the deal yet, that could be a nice break for Minnesota.”
Both Allen in Cincinnati and Hargrave in Green Bay will get fresh opportunities to reset their careers. Walder isn’t buying the upside on Allen.
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on Allen as the Bengals’ big offseason DT fix.
The Nopey Nope: LSU CB Mansoor Delane will be on the board for the Vikings at pick No. 18
Delane put real speed on display Monday at his Pro Day, and it showed up in a big way.
SBNation’s Dale Altman wrote, ‘Mansoor Delane ran a blazing 4.35 40-yard dash today at the LSU Pro Day. The LSU cornerback was already considered to be the top prospect at the position for the 2026 NFL Draft. All he did by running that time was solidify himself as the top guy, and potentially another step closer to going in the top 10.”
“Delane was tremendous in 2025 with a 90.7 coverage grade. He allowed just a 40.0% completion rate against him this past season. He was a shutdown corner for the Tigers. He isn’t just a cover corner either, Delane is a more than willing participant against the run.”
That speed turned heads across the league, and teams hunting for rookie cornerback help took notice quickly. He now looks firmly in line to be the first cornerback selected, wiping him off the board for the Vikings all the way down at No. 18.
In January, he was a popular mock-draft selection for Minnesota. Not anymore.
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on Delane to Minnesota; he’s too good and too fast.
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