Harrison Smith will indeed continue his career in 2026. A one-year Vikings agreement is in place, Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network report.
This latest Minnesota pact is worth $12.25MM, per the NFLN report, although The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero notes its base value is $8MM. Both add that Smith’s earnings for 2026 can increase through incentives. A maximum of $16.25MM in is store for the lifetime Viking. According to Pelissero, $4MM is available in per-game roster bonuses and another $4MM is tied to playoff success. A Super Bowl victory would be needed for the maximum value to be reached.
In March, Minnesota released Smith. That move did not mark a certain end to the 37-year-old’s playing career or the possibility of another Vikings deal being struck, though. Team and player remained in contact with one another throughout the offseason, and Smith is indeed now positioned to play a 15th campaign with the only team of his career.
As of late August, a return was still something to watch for in this case. Head coach Kevin O’Connell continued to speak with Smith about his preparedness to play in what would be his age-37 season. As The Athletic’s Alec Lewis notes, Smith has been staying in shape throughout the offseason. A Vikings return gained steam in recent days, and in time for Week 1 a deal has been struck.
More to come…