Harrison Smith returning to the Minnesota Vikings on a one-year, $12.25 million contract, according to NFL Media. The deal brings the 37-year-old safety back for his 15th NFL season to help anchor Minnesota’s defense.
Smith, a former first-round pick out of Notre Dame in 2012, is one of the franchise’s most decorated defenders. He has made six Pro Bowls, all between 2015 and 2021, and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2017 during a season when the Vikings reached the NFC title game.
Harrison Smith returning to lead veteran secondary
Across 14 seasons in Minnesota, Smith has built one of the league’s most complete résumés. He leads all active players with 39 career interceptions and has totaled 1,180 tackles, including 51 for loss, along with 21.5 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries, 106 passes defended and four pick-sixes.
While he has not been selected to the Pro Bowl since 2021, Smith remained productive last season. In 15 games he recorded two interceptions, 10 pass breakups, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and 54 tackles.
The Vikings also invested heavily on defense in April’s draft, adding five defenders. The class included first-rounder Caleb Banks and fellow defensive backs Jakobe Thomas and Charles Demmings, who will join Smith in a revamped secondary.
Minnesota opens the 2026 season at home against the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 13.
One Response