Exclusive: Vikings Makes Cost-Cutting Move With Harrison Smith
During this offseason, the Minnesota Vikings have witnessed a turnover of players. Nevertheless, 12-year veteran safety Harrison Smith is one player who will remain with the team.
Prior to Smith and the Vikings coming to an agreement for a revised contract, the individual who had been selected six times as a Pro Bowler was scheduled to enter his third year of a four-year deal worth $64 million. The 2024 season would have carried with it a cap hit amounting to $19.2 million under those original terms.
“On March 13, the team announced on X (formerly Twitter) that #Vikings and @HarriSmith22 had come to an agreement which would retain him as a valuable member of THE HITMAN.”
On March 13th, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Harrison Smith signed a new contract worth $9 million according to his agency @AthletesFirst. This deal provides some cap relief for the #Vikings and gives Minnesota more of their coveted “Hitman.”
Last season, Smith recorded the third-highest number of stops in his career with 93 at the age of 35. Accompanying that impressive feat were three sacks and forced fumbles each as well as a trifecta of pass deflections to cap off an outstanding performance.
After three seasons, he finally had the opportunity to play a complete set of games.
Throughout his 12 seasons, Smith faced a series of injuries that caused him to miss several games. With mounting speculation following comments he made at the end of last season about retirement, it was unclear whether or not he would return for his 13th NFL season.
“On January 8, Smith smirkingly told the Star Tribune’s Andrew Krammer: ‘I won’t be disclosing my retirement plans. You’ll just have to figure it out. What I can say is that it is tough to possess the ability to play but lack a desire for playing anymore, whatever that leads to…I’m not attempting anything ominous here; at present moment though, my shoulder hurts.'”
There was always an anticipation of something like this happening during the offseason, and despite doubts surrounding Smith’s return, his presence promises favorable outcomes for the Vikings.
The Vikings’ Harrison Smith Continues to Excel at the Highest Level
Although there were concerns regarding Smith’s return, his ability to perform at a high level was never in question despite receiving the third-lowest grade of his career according to Pro Football Focus.
According to Pro Football Reference, he had the second-highest missed tackle rate of his career. However, Smith performed strongly in various other essential advanced statistics.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats on March 13, he achieved the third-lowest completion percentage of his career and earned a place in the top five for both defensive stops (tied-2nd) and receptions over expectation (3rd).
In terms of blitzing, the Vikings’ defense had its highest rate since 2018 and just surpassed that of the 2019 Baltimore Ravens.
Missed tackles can occur as a result of aggressive schemes that place defensive players in disadvantageous positions.
Vikings organizing their finances.
By making this move, the Vikings will have nearly $30 million in cap space at their disposal. While they may allocate some of it towards filling gaps and bolstering depth, preserving flexibility for Justin Jefferson’s imminent lucrative contract remains a priority as well.
According to Adam Schefter on “NFL Live” March 12th, Jefferson declined a Vikings offer that would’ve compensated him $30 million per year.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver would have been on par with Tyreek Hill, who currently leads the position.
Jeff Diamond, who formerly served as the Vikings’ general manager and currently works for 33rd Team, predicted on January 24th that a $35 million annual salary would be required to satisfy the four-time Pro Bowl star following his exceptional career start.
