Harrison Smith to return to Vikings for 15th NFL season
The 37-year-old safety has agreed to a one-year deal after considering retirement, as Minnesota’s depth at the position has been reduced by injuries.
Harrison Smith will return to the Minnesota Vikings for a 15th NFL season after months of considering retirement, the team announced. NFL Network reporters Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported the one-year contract is worth US$12.25 million, with a maximum value of US$16.25 million.
Smith’s return comes after Minnesota had prepared for his departure. The Vikings arranged a farewell at the end of last season amid expectations he would retire, then terminated his previous contract in March for salary-cap procedural reasons. Smith had not formally announced his retirement.
The Vikings’ safety group has since been affected by injuries. Theo Jackson has been sidelined by a leg injury, third-round draft pick Jakobe Thomas missed much of the summer with a back injury, and Jamal Adams was lost for the season with a torn right quadriceps.
Smith, 37, was selected by Minnesota in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft and has recorded 39 career interceptions and 21.5 sacks. He is one of six defensive backs in NFL history to reach at least 35 interceptions and 20 sacks.
The other five players in that group are Charles Woodson, Larry Wilson, Ronde Barber, LeRoy Butler and Brian Dawkins, all members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Smith’s return gives Minnesota an experienced option as it manages a weakened safety unit.
