Minnesota Vikings Harrison Smith Returning For His 14th Season

Harrison Smith has anchored the Minnesota Vikings’ defense for the past 13 years. Things aren’t going to change in 2025. The six-time Pro Bowl safety was a free agent, and many wondered if he would return for another season. Football is a grueling sport, and sometimes players are ready to retire. That is not the case for Smith. He is hungry for more. The team signed him to a one-year deal late Wednesday night.

Minnesota Vikings Re-Sign Harrison Smith

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported the Minnesota Vikings are signing Harrison Smith to a one-year deal. In this day and age, it is hard to find players who spend their entire careers with one team. Too often, contract disputes, a decline in play on the field, or a change in scheme push certain players out. Smith was drafted 29th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. The Vikings have certainly gotten good value for their first-round pick.

In his 13-year career, he has racked up 1,126 total tackles, 20.5 sacks, 12 forced fumbles, 96 passes defended, and 37 interceptions, with four of them returned for touchdowns. He showed no signs of slowing down last season, which is likely the reason the Minnesota Vikings decided to bring him back. In his career, he has been to the Pro Bowl six times and earned two All-Pro nods.

Busy Offseason

The Minnesota Vikings have been busy this offseason. They have signed many players on the defensive line and brought back key contributors on offense, like running back Aaron Jones. Most of the 14-3 team from last year will return, which is good news for continuity. The biggest change will be under center. Sam Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks, meaning JJ McCarthy will take the reins of the offense.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell has done wonders with every quarterback he has coached, but McCarthy is a complete unknown. We only saw a little bit in the preseason before his season-ending knee injury. The rest of the team might be the same, but the most important position will be different, making this season hard to predict. One thing is for sure. They will have their leader on defense in 2025, which is a huge boost.