Harrison Smith is not done yet in the NFL, and he will be continuing his pro career with the only team he’s ever played for in the league.
On Saturday, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported that the veteran defensive back is running it back with the Minnesota Vikings for at least another season.
“Back for more: #Vikings legend Harrison Smith is returning to Minnesota for a 15th season, per me and @MikeGarafolo, getting a 1-year deal worth $12.25M,” Rapoport said on X.
Smith had thought about retiring from the game in the offseason. The Vikings even seemingly expected him to hang up his cleats following the 2025 campaign, making gestures late in the season to honor the safety.
Instead, Smith is back on the Vikings, who could use depth in the position.
Minnesota rookie Jakobe Thomas has dealt with a leg injury in the summer, while another veteran, Jamal Adams, is going to miss the entire 2026 season due to a torn right quadriceps.
At 37 years old, Smith’s best days are clearly behind him, but he still contributed to Minnesota’s defense in 2025, recording two interceptions to go with a sack and 10 passes defended in 15 games (12 starts). He finished 33rd among 98 safeties with an overall Pro Football Focus grade of 68.9.
The six-time Pro Bowler turned pro in 2012, when Minnesota selected him 29th overall in that year’s NFL draft.
