Harrison Smith - Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Expect the NFL to steal the sports spotlight again this week, as the league’s “owner’s meetings” heat up down in Phoenix, Arizona. The timing is rather perfect for Minnesota Vikings fans wondering what’s next for their favorite football team.
What to keep an ear/eye out for at NFL owners meetings
Whenever NFL decision makers get together and media is present, there are bound to be fireworks. But while national NFL reporters concern themselves with replacement referees, possible rule changes and where the owners’ next billion dollars will come from… local media will be more focused on team-specific questions.
The NFL owners meetings are underway in Arizona, where GMs, HCs, and some owners will also speak to the media.
Teams were informed in a memo that they are prohibited from speaking publicly on the ongoing saga between the NFL and the Referees Association, as the two sides are… https://t.co/O6Yrvf2T6i pic.twitter.com/AoXu07KELV
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 30, 2026
Of course, a lot of attention will be paid to how head coach Kevin O’Connell and acting GM Rob Brzezinski will approach the upcoming NFL Draft, less than a month from today — but there are a ton of other Vikings questions/rumors this offseason that remain unanswered.
Yes, the Minnesota Vikings have already completed their top two missions — bringing back Brian Flores and bulking up their quarterback room — but there are still plenty of tasks remaining on their offseason to-do list.
Nobody has much of an idea what their plans or decision-making hierarchy will be for the upcoming draft (April 23-25). Jonathan Greenard’s ongoing pay-raise/trade demands remain unresolved, as well.
Oh, and don’t forget about the upcoming “QB competition.” Now that Kevin O’Connell has had some time to digest the Kyler Murray signing, does he still view training camp as a true competition? We’ll soon find out.
Harrison Smith return looking more and more likely
Harrison Smith: Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Then, there’s the possible retirement of legendary Minnesota Vikings, Harrison Smith, who is deciding whether or not to return for a 15th NFL season in 2026. Entering the offseason, it felt like Harry the Hitman was riding off into the sunset, at the ripe age of 36.
However, the closer we get to summer, the more likely his return feels. Monday morning, for example, Vikings insider and beat writer Alec Lewis — in a newly-released projected depth chart at The Athletic — went as far as to write the 37-year-old Harrison Smith in as Minnesota’s 2026 starting safety.
[Minnesota Vikings 2026 depth chart projections]: Safety (6)
Starters: Harrison Smith, Jay Ward and Josh Metellus
Depth: Theo Jackson, Tavierre Thomas and a draft pick
Smith has not ruled out a return. It doesn’t feel like a decision is imminent, either. The Vikings don’t plan to push him for a decision, knowing they need to plan for the future regardless. Smith is 37 years old. If he plays, he’ll want the chance to bring a Super Bowl to the organization he’s given his career to.
Alec Lewis – The Athletic
Related: Vikings Doubt 1st Rd Pick Can Handle Bigger Role
Obviously, safety is a primary target for the Minnesota Vikings in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, all the national draft experts and insiders projecting them to take Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman at pick No. 18 feels premature, especially being how open they are to the return of Harrison Smith.
Hitman’s possible return won’t stop the Vikings’ from searching for his replacement next month. And if they like Thieneman enough, I have not doubt Brian Flores could play both guys effectively, if he had to.
However, Minnesota seems open to a lot of different possibilities on draft night, and their push to bring Smith back could be a hint that their highly-paid defensive coordinator would prefer someone there who already has experience in the NFL, and with B-Flo’s system.
What does an aging Harrison Smith offer Minnesota Vikings?
If Harrison Smith returns for a 15th NFL season, he will be trying to add onto the 1180 tackles, 39 interceptions, 13 forced fumbles and 106 passes defended he’s compiled in his potential HOF career. He proved during a flag football appearance last week that he’s definitely staying in shape.
The Hitman strikes in flag football: pic.twitter.com/4KTaAaePtx
— Daily Harrison Smith (@dailyharri) March 22, 2026
Harrison ….. smith……
You look very excited to play football today ………..
Smiling alot 🤷🏾♂️🤣🤷🏾♂️🤣
— Isaiah Rodgers Sr. (@rodgers_isaiah) March 21, 2026
While he continues to get older, and may not have the same versatility he once did, Harry maintained a 68.9 PFF grade last season, up from his 67.7 in 2024 and in line with the 68.9 and 68.4 he posted in 2022 and 2023.
Related: Interest Not Mutual Between MN Vikings and Star Free Agent
Most importantly, he is an extension of Brian Flores on the field. His knowledge and experience allows Minnesota’s defense to mold to what the offense is doing, even split seconds before the snap, in some cases.
Mentioned in this article: Harrison Smith
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