Harrison Smith: Vikings put off contract talks with star safety

Harrison Smith performed at a Pro Bowl level in 2014, even if he wasn’t ultimately rewarded with a Pro Bowl appearance, but he’ll have to wait a little while to be paid like a Pro Bowler.

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According to a report from ESPN’s Ben Goessling, the Vikings will wait until 2015 to talk about a contract extension with Smith.

A first round draft pick in 2012, Smith is in the fourth year of his rookie deal, which will pay him $1.3 million in base salary.

Normally this would be the perfect time to talk about a new deal, but the Vikings have a fifth year option on Smith which has already been picked up. So there’s no hurry on their part.

The fifth year option would pay Smith $5.2 million for 2016, if a new deal isn’t worked out before the start of next season.

The Vikings got the fifth year option on Smith by swinging a draft day trade with the Ravens that allowed them to move back into the first round. Rick Spielman has pulled the same maneuver several times in recent years in order to gain an extra year of control over his top picks.

The Vikings also have exercised their fifth year option on 2012 fourth overall selection Matt Kalil, but still have the freedom to cut Kalil at the end of the year, as the option is only guaranteed for injury.

Unlike Kalil, Smith has done enough on the field to prove he’s worthy of a long-term commitment. There’s little question that a deal will get done between the Vikings and their top defensive player eventually.

Right now, all Smith is worried about is getting on the field and dominating.

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Harrison Smith: Vikings put off contract talks with star safety

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