The Minnesota Vikings know they have a very talented player in safety Harrison Smith. The former first round draft pick back in 2012 has proven himself to be one of the league’s most dynamic players in the secondary, showing off a blend of physical play, athleticism and intelligence that makes everyone around him better. But neither the Vikings or Smith are in a hurry to work out a long-term deal to keep him in Minnesota.
Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) celebrates with defensive end Brian Robison (96) during the first quarter against the New York Jets at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
A situation like that sounds odd, but Minnesota exercised their fifth year option on Harrison Smith’s rookie deal with the Vikings, allowing him to play out this year under the terms of his current deal without having to worry about him becoming a free agent following the season. The current plan, as it appears, is for the team and Smith to play out the 2015 season and then work on hammering out a deal next offseason.
In a recent article on the Pioneer Press website, Harrison Smith spoke about his contract situation with the Vikings.
"“There’s no doubt this is where I want to be,” Smith said Tuesday at training camp."
Sep 7, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith (22) hands a ball to a fan after intercepting and running it back for 81-yard touchdown during the second half against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. The Vikings defeated the Rams 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
That is great news for Vikings fans, but I’m sure people would be much if the two sides would work out a long-term deal now. However, the Vikings rarely work out deals prior to the final year of a player’s contract. And after picking up the option on Smith’s fifth year, that will be after the 2015 season.
While Vikings fans are a little nervous about his future, Harrison Smith is a man of few words who seems confident about his relationship with Minnesota.
"“I’m fine with it,” Smith said. “Rick and I kind of talked about it and that’s what I thought would happen.”"
Fans should expect nothing different from Harrison Smith this year. Despite his excellent play, he’s often overlooked for personal awards and recognition, but he is alright with not being included in those types of things.
"“Making the Pro Bowl is not one of my goals,” Smith said. “The type of goals that I have are things that will help the team win.”"
The high expectations surrounding the Minnesota Vikings are at least partially because of the excellent play of Harrison Smith, who in his 3 seasons with the team has accumulated 254 combined tackles, 23 passes defended, 10 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and 3 defensive touchdowns.
Personally, I have confidence that the Minnesota Vikings and Harrison Smith can work out a long-term deal after this season. Smith is a part of this team’s defense that needs to be brought back at almost any cost, and both sides seem to know that. But after just 3 years with the Vikings, it’s hard to imagine this defense without the hard-hitting safety.
Next: Minnesota Vikings 2015 Game By Game Previews
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