Vikings re-sign Harrison Smith on 1-year, $12.25 million deal for 15th season
Harrison Smith, released by the Minnesota Vikings in March, re-signed on a one-year deal worth $12.25 million with incentives reaching $16.25 million after the team's replacement, Jamal Adams, tore his knee in the preseason. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores reportedly pushed for Smith's return.
The Minnesota Vikings re-signed Harrison Smith on a one-year deal worth $12.25 million with incentives pushing the total to $16.25 million, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. The move brings the safety back for his 15th season with the only franchise he has ever played for, after the team's designated replacement suffered a season-ending injury.
The Vikings released Smith in March using a post-June 1 designation. The team then signed Jamal Adams to take his job, but Adams tore his knee in the preseason opener and was done for the year, clearing the path for Smith's return. Head coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters in August that he and Smith talked regularly throughout the summer. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores reportedly pushed for Smith's return to the roster.
Smith turns 38 in February 2027. According to NFL Network, he has six Pro Bowl selections and made first-team All-Pro in 2017. He holds 39 career interceptions, the most among active players, and has recorded 21½ sacks. Since being drafted by the Vikings with the 29th pick in 2012, Smith has started 203 games out of a possible 207, per the reporting.
Most sportsbooks predicted the Vikings to go 8.5 wins and finish third in their division behind Detroit and Green Bay heading into the season.
Harrison Smith signed a one-year deal worth $12.25 million with incentives to $16.25 million for his 15th season with the Vikings, per NFL Network reporting.
The post-June 1 designation used to release Smith in March suggested the Vikings intended to move past him at that time, making the reversal dependent on Adams' injury. The deal keeps Smith in place for a season where the division race remains open.
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