The Minnesota Vikings are waiting on a decision from Harrison Smith, and have been for quite some time.
The Vikings made Smith a post-June 1st release on March 11th, meaning he is currently not on the team. Still, Minnesota is awaiting his decision on whether or not he will return to the team for a 15th season.
This decision is taking quite some time. Smith is really drawing it out, and Minnesota needs an answer sooner rather than later. Recently, a Vikings podcast discussed a proverbial “shot-clock” on the decision from Smith.
Vikings Need a Decision from Harrison Smith
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 07: Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts during the second half against the Washington Commanders at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 07, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Brad Berreman of The Viking Age very nicely summarized the words spoken by Thor Nystrom and Judd Zulgad on a recent installment of Thor Talks Purple on SKOR North.
From Judd Zulgad:
“I know that is a waiting game, and I think the Vikings sincerely want him back. But I need an answer from Harrison Smith.
…If nothing else, because you’ve got safeties, and quite frankly, I don’t know [if] it’s fair to them to keep this thing hanging.”
Berreman added some context to the conversation between Zulgad and Nystrom.
“Nystrom asked Zulgad about putting a proverbial “shot clock” on Smith, meaning a certain date by which Minnesota should tell him they need to know his decision by, while offering some dates generally surrounding training camp.
‘I’d put [the shot clock] on before [training camp]. If you want to play, [let us] know by June 1.’
Nystrom offered July 4 as the deadline the Vikings could set for Smith, while noting the undisclosed health issue that kept him out of training camp last year and led to him missing the first two games of the season.”
Minnesota needs an answer from Harrison Smith soon so they know how to go about setting up their safety room for the year. Additionally, Smith is also a major voice on the field for the Vikings and a quiet leader in the locker room. The Vikings need to know how to maneuver if that isn’t returning.
Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy Hold Key to ‘Dream Season’
GettyKyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up before the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on August 16, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Bleacher Report justified their claim that a Vikings dream season is on the back of the two signal callers.
“Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy successfully push each other, leading to one becoming a bona fide franchise quarterback as this otherwise balanced and talented team makes a Super Bowl run.”
Just because the Vikings signed Murray, it doesn’t mean that McCarthy is done in Minnesota. Assuming the competition is fair, it will be a good thing for McCarthy. Competition drives improvement, and that is exactly what the former Michigan Wolverine needs.
He has had a lot of his short career ravaged by injuries. However, when he did play, there was legitimate cause for concern for his ceiling. Kyler Murray can bring the best out in J.J. McCarthy, and if he can’t, then Kyler Murray isn’t too bad of a different option to have in your back pocket.
Vikings Get Blunt Harrison Smith Message Amid Return Decision