The Minnesota Vikings have confirmed the return of veteran safety Harrison Smith for the 2025 NFL season. The 35-year-old six-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro agreed to a restructured contract with the team, taking a $5.45 million pay cut to continue his illustrious career in Minnesota citeturn0search1.
Smith, a former first-round pick in 2012, has been a cornerstone of the Vikings’ defense, recording over 1,000 total tackles and 34 career interceptions. Despite contemplating retirement after the 2023 season, he chose to return for a 13th season, motivated by a desire to chase his first Super Bowl ring citeturn0search1.
His return bolsters a Minnesota secondary that has seen significant changes this offseason. The Vikings have added veteran cornerbacks Jeff Okudah and Stephon Gilmore to their roster. Okudah, a former first-round pick, joined on a one-year deal, while Gilmore, a 13-year veteran and former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, signed a one-year, $10 million contract citeturn0news15turn0search4. These additions aim to strengthen the Vikings’ defense as they prepare for the upcoming season.
With Smith’s leadership and experience, the Vikings’ defense is poised to remain a formidable force in the NFC North.
