The Minnesota Vikings are in the middle of a four-game win streak, and a key part of this run has been the defense. Nonetheless, one of the players on that unit who received a fine for their action in Week 16 is veteran safety Harrison Smith.
On December 27, the NFL announced its Gameday Accountability report, which included Smith. As part of the fine process, players are informed of any violations and have the right to challenge the ruling.
Moreover, appeals are reviewed by officers and former NFL players Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson, who are jointly selected and compensated by the NFL and NFLPA. Afterward, their decisions are final and must be accepted.
As for Smith, the Vikings veteran received a fine for his actions in the Week 16 win over the New York Giants due to an incident in the first quarter at the 8:01-minute mark. Smith committed a hit on a quarterback that was a blow to the head and neck, and as a result, the league is fining him $17,389.
Harrison Smith Could Be Playing Final Games for Vikings
Nonetheless, this fine could be one of the last that the Vikings player receives from the NFL, as there is an assumption that he could retire after this 2025 season. It will be interesting to see if this last game against the Green Bay Packers is his last, as he is 36, on an expiring $10.2 million contract, and has been the subject of retirement speculation for several offseasons.
“I can’t speak on that right now,” Smith told reporters postgame after the win over the Detroit Lions on December 25. “I’m a very much in-the-moment type of guy. So, I’m gonna enjoy this with the guys I’ve gone to work with, and enjoy my family and the holidays, and that’ll handle itself when it does.”
Harrison Smith Puts on a Performance Against the Lions
Still, Smith is showing that he can play at a high level. After the win over the Lions on Christmas Day, the Minnesota standout recorded three tackles along with one sack and one interception. After the contest, he spoke with Ben Leber postgame to talk about his performance.
“Today was one of the best defensive performances as a unit we’ve ever been a part of,” Smith said. “Guys were flying around. We were having fun. That’s what it’s about… Just our aggressiveness, the way [Flores] calls it, sets it up. It gives us some freedom to do some different things and keep them guessing.”
Smith will be looking not to get another fine from what could be his final two games of his NFL career. Nonetheless, he will also be looking to help the Vikings end their season finishing with a winning record and on a five-game win streak.
However, if Minnesota bring in a quarterback who can help them win now, or J.J. McCarthy takes a significant step in his development, perhaps Smith and the team might be interested in him returning on a one-year deal to see if they can run it back and secure a Super Bowl.
NFL Announces Week 16 Punishment for Vikings’ Harrison Smith