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It’s been a rough offseason for Minnesota Vikings fans, and things might get a little bit tougher as veteran safety Harrison Smith may be on his way out of the team.
According to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson, “Signs point” to the Vikings releasing Smith, who is their longest-tenured player.
Wolfson made the comments during an appearance on SKOR North’s Scoops show. He added that while the situation is still fluid, there is a chance that the team could find a “happy medium” and keep Smith on a restructured deal. However, made it clear that Harrison is not going to be back at his current cap hit of $19.1 million.
The news of Smith’s potential release comes amid a flurry of activity for the Vikings. The team has already cut veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks, wide receiver Adam Thielen, and cornerback Cam Dantzler. Additionally, Za’Darius Smith has reportedly asked to be released, and an NFL team has made a trade offer for running back Dalvin Cook, according to recent reports.
A source told Wolfson about the situation with the team: ‘Hey, it’s going to continue to be a bloodbath,”
Harrison Smith’s Impact
Smith, who is 34 years old, has been with the Vikings for 11 seasons and is under contract for three more. He has a cap hit of $19.1 million in 2023, which is likely the reason behind the team’s decision to restructure his deal. If Smith does stay with the Vikings, it will likely be on a new contract that involves a pay reduction.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future with the team, Smith’s accomplishments in Minnesota cannot be overlooked. He was a first-round pick in the 2012 draft out of Notre Dame and has played in 159 career games for the Vikings. He has recorded 946 tackles, 34 interceptions, 83 passes defended, 16.5 sacks, and nine forced fumbles. He has been selected to nine Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams.
As the Vikings continue to make moves in the offseason, fans will be watching closely to see what happens with Harrison Smith. If he does leave the team, it will mark the end of an era for one of the most beloved players in recent Vikings history.