The Minnesota Vikings suffered several blows this offseason, including the loss of quarterbacks Sam Darnold to the Seattle Seahawks and Daniel Jones to the Indianapolis Colts, setting up their No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, J.J. McCarthy to take the reigns.
They've also had trouble bringing in new quarterbacks, after being interested in Marcus Mariota, whose career earnings have eclipsed over $75 million, but losing out after he re-signed with the Washington Commanders.
However, the Vikings have not let the bad news affect the rest of their offseason and, on Wednesday, agreed to a new contract with 36-year-old safety Harrison Smith, bringing him back for his 14th season with the team.
Six-time Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith will return for a 14th NFL season, agreeing to terms today on a new contract with the #Vikings, per sources.
At age 36, Smith is still playing at a high level and can now add to his hall of fame resume. pic.twitter.com/r1aOQFOn6z
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 13, 2025
This is huge news for the Vikings, as Smith has been a staple of the team's defense since they drafted him in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, being named to the Pro Bowl six times and First-Team All-Pro once.
During his 13-year career, he's accumulated 1,126 tackles, 48 tackles for loss, 12 forced fumbles, 37 interceptions (current NFL leader), 20.5 sacks and 43 quarterback hits.
Since 2018, he's also been especially effective in pass coverage, being targeted 309 times, allowing 206 receptions, 2,396 yards, nine touchdowns, and a 72.7 passer rating.
In 2024, though, he found himself struggling and ended up earning a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 66.2, which ranked 66th out of 170 qualified strategies.
His pass coverage truly suffered, allowing 43 receptions, 506 yards, and four touchdowns on 65 targets, so it will remain to be seen if Smith can improve for the Vikings in 2025.
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This story was originally published March 12, 2025 at 10:03 PM.