Harrison Smith’s Vikings Future Still Up in the Air

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Harrison Smith’s Vikings Future Still Up in the Air

Harrison Smith's Vikings Future Still Up in the Air — Eric Hartline

Adam New · Vikings Territory

Tue, Mar 31, 2026 ·

3 min read

Silence around Smith Keeps the Decision in Limbo

The Vikings have announced the retirements of Adam Thielen and C.J. Ham already this offseason. They have even submitted the paperwork and had the two players in for the media work that surrounds an official retirement. Smith was conspicuous by his absence while this was all going on. There has been no announcement, no retirement paperwork, no sign of Smith at all.

The Vikings Final Injury Report: Week 14

Oct 16, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) after a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports.

Every day that passes is a hint that Smith will return for one more ride. Minnesota hasn't signed any safeties during free agency, and even if the plan is to draft one early. A veteran replacement for Smith would surely have been a priority if he wasn't coming back.

Minnesota could still sign an FA safety , with some decent players still available, but there has been no move on one of the more high-profile options. There must be at least confidence in the Vikings camp that Smith is open to a return.

Would One More Season from Smith be A Good Decision?

I have the feeling that if the Vikings had competed in 2025 and had a good season, then Smith would already be officially retired. The Hitman won't be happy going out on such a low note, and if he believes the Vikings will be competitive in the upcoming season, he will want to give it one more go. Will that be a good decision for Smith and the Vikings?

Obviously, Smith isn't the same player who was named first-team All-Pro in 2017 and hasn't been for a while now. However, the 37-year-old has kept himself pretty healthy, only missing the odd game over the last three seasons.

Dec 9, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) celebrates a sack during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota's depth at safety looks very weak right now, but a rookie like Dillon Thieneman or Emmanuel McNeill-Warren learning under the wing of Smith suddenly makes everything look a lot better. The Hitman was still effective last season, tallying 54 tackles, 1 sack, 3 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 10 passes defended. If the body is still up to it and the desire is still there, I believe he can continue to have a positive impact on this team.

I did expect Smith to retire, but now I've gone the other way. Maybe that's just optimism that one of my favourite ever Vikings isn't quite ready to call it quits. Still, at this point, it feels more likely that he will be back than that he will be announcing his retirement imminently.