Not yet ready to retire, Smith to return for 14th season

A massive win for the Vikings amid an already very good start to free agency.

By Dane Mizutani, Pioneer Press – March 13, 2025

Harrison Smith is coming back for Year 14.

A source confirmed that the 36-year-old safety is putting off retirement and will play for the Vikings next season. He’s set to make $10.25 million with incentives that could bring his total up $14 million.

This is a massive win for the Vikings amid an already very good start to free agency. Not only will Smith bring his irreplaceable presence both on and off the field, he will also bring some much needed stability to a secondary that just lost safety Cam Bynum.

Though he might be in the twilight of his career, Smith is still the ultimate chess piece for defensive coordinator Brian Flores. There’s a reason why Smith still rarely comes off the field for the Vikings, playing more than 1,000 snaps once again last season.

A surefire member of the Ring of Honor whenever he decides to hang up the cleats, Smith has slowly turned himself into a living legend ever since the Vikings selected him in the first round of the 2012 draft.

With blood dripping from the right side of his face, Minnesota free safety Harrison Smith (22) takes a breather during a timeout in the second quarter of an NFL football game against Seattle at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019. |. John Autey / Pioneer Press

After earning the nickname “Hitman” early in his career because of his patented physicality, Smith has gone on to rack up 1,126 tackles, 20 1/2 sacks, and 37 interceptions across 192 games with the Vikings.

His resume is already worthy of a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame when looking at some of his peers who have a gold jacket. The decision to put off retirement ensures Smith can add to all of those totals while continuing to chase an elusive Super Bowl.

TOP PHOTO: Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith warms up before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, in Minneapolis. | AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn