Harrison Smith is extending his playing career into a 14th season.
The Hitman signed a one-year, $10 million contract to stay with Kevin O’Connell, Brian Flores, and the Minnesota Vikings.
Considering the reworked deal, Smith’s loyalty to the team he has played for his entire career, and how active Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Minnesota’s front office have been, it feels like they’re gearing up for a playoff push in 2025. With the moves they made in free agency, including re-signing Smith, Aaron Jones, and Byron Murphy, the Vikings have opened their window to contend.
After watching Sam Darnold go to Seattle, Daniel Jones leave for Indianapolis, and Nick Mullens backing up Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville, it’s time for J.J. McCarthy to show what he is capable of as Minnesota’s only option at QB.
J.J. flashed with multiple impressive plays in the preseason before going on injured reserve with a torn meniscus. Pair him with arguably the best receiver duo in the league, a dual-threat running back, a do-it-all tight end, and a new and improved offensive line — it’s hard not to get excited about Minnesota’s offense.
Still, the defensive side is just as impressive. Having Smith back in the fold creates a dangerous situation for opposing offenses, especially with Flores calling plays and scheming up looks to further confuse offenses. With a more talented unit, Flores should capitalize on what he’s done in his last two seasons as Minnesota’s defensive play-caller.
Smith’s return doesn’t only help safety depth. Smith can also mentor younger players like Theo Jackson and Bubba Bolden.
By returning to the Vikings, Smith also allows the front office to zero in on the trenches, on both offense and defense, which seems to be their focus in free agency.
The Vikings have added three offensive linemen and two on the defensive line, strengthening the interior on both sides of the ball. Minnesota is thin in the defensive backfield. Still, Smith’s presence and experience, and having worked in the Flores system for the last two seasons, will be a tremendous asset.
Smith will join Andrew Van Ginkel, Blake Cashman, and Josh Metellus as returning cornerstone defensive players who helped propel the Vikings to their unexpected 14-win season.
A 2012 first-round draft pick, Smith started in 16 games last season, totaling 87 tackles (three for a loss), one sack, 10 passes defended, a fumble recovery, and three interceptions.
In his career, “The Hitman” has totaled a Vikings defensive back record 1,127 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 12 forced fumbles (eight recovered), and 37 interceptions, with four pick-sixes his career. The six-time Pro-Bowler is also the sixth player in league history to have at least 35 interceptions and 20 sacks over their career.
The five others are Hall of Famers.
Harrison Smith means something to the Minnesota Vikings and their fanbase. Fans and former players, like Ben Leber, get emotional thinking about the Vikings without No. 22 showing, then backing out of blitz packages. With his return, the fans can count on Smith to do what he does best: play football at a high level.