The Minnesota Vikings have invested more heavily in the secondary than any other unit of the team over the past five years, and safety Harrison Smith has proven the stalwart amid what have mostly been unsuccessful attempts at longterm upgrades.
Even at the age of 36 and in his 14th NFL season, all in Minnesota, Smith proved without question the ability to still function at a high level on one of the most opportunistic defenses in the league in 2025.
He finished the year as the No. 35 safety out of 98 players who saw enough snaps at the position to qualify, according to Pro Football Focus. Smith tallied 54 tackles, 10 pass deflections, two interceptions, one forced fumble and a sack this season.
Unfortunately his final game of the campaign, which took place at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis against the Green Bay Packers in Week 18, contained major indicators that it was also the last outing of his career.
“Smith got the last-game treatment in Week 18, subbing out in the final minutes for a home-crowd ovation and hugs from teammates,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote Wednesday, January 7. “That signals a looming retirement.”
Harrison Smith Left Door Open for Return During Interview After Vikings’ Final Game of Regular Season
GettySafety Harrison Smith of the Minnesota Vikings.
Smith’s comments leading up to the game indicated that retirement was on the table for him this offseason.
And what he had to say after it was over didn’t change that perception.
“I’m definitely leaning one way, but I’m not one to never say never,” Smith said during an on-field postgame interview with CBS Sports. “So we’ll see.”
The six-time Pro Bowler also took the opportunity to thank “everyone who has helped me since I was young” and called the situation on Sunday “pretty overwhelming.”
Smith is technically under contract with the Vikings in 2026 on the second year of a two-year deal worth $10.25 million total.
“If he plays a 15th season, the chances of a return to Minnesota would be high,” Fowler added Wednesday in his assessment of Smith’s future.
Vikings in Danger of Losing Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores This Offseason
GettyDefensive coordinator Brian Flores of the Minnesota Vikings.
Minnesota could lose another key figure on defense if coordinator Brian Flores lands one of several available head coaching positions across the league.
Flores has been the Vikings’ DC for three seasons, transforming the team on that side of the football over that time.
“[Flores] has been one of the NFL’s best defensive coordinators during his three seasons in Minnesota, but his contract is expiring and he’ll have the opportunity to consider options elsewhere even if he doesn’t get a head coaching job,” Kevin Seifert of ESPN reported Wednesday. “It’ll be a challenge to replace him with an equal performer.”
Flores will interview for the Baltimore Ravens‘ open head coaching job, and he may get chances elsewhere. If Flores remains a defensive coordinator in 2026, Minnesota will likely have to fight off at least a few competing suitors, including the Dallas Cowboys who recently parted ways with Matt Eberflus.
Harrison Smith’s Future With Vikings Not Promising After Latest Developments