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Vikings Agree to Terms with Legendary Safety Harrison Smith
Smith returns for his 15th NFL season after spending all 14 previous years with Minnesota, adding experience to a secondary facing a Week 1 deadline.
On Saturday, the Minnesota Vikings signed veteran safety Harrison Smith to a one-year contract worth $12.25 million, with playoff incentives pushing the total value to $16.25 million.
After being released in March, Smith mulled retirement for months before deciding to return for his 15th season with the only franchise he has ever known.
Minnesota initially signed Jamal Adams to fill the vacancy, but Adams suffered a season-ending knee injury during the preseason opener, prompting the Vikings' urgent reunion with Smith.
Smith brings 203 career starts, 321 tackles, and 39 interceptions to a safety group including Josh Metellus and Jay Ward, positioning him as a lock for the team's Ring of Honor.
The Vikings open the 2026 regular season on Sunday, Sept. 13, hosting the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium, though Smith's readiness for Week 1 remains unclear after missing offseason workouts.