A big 2020 season is awaiting Vikings safety Harrison Smith
By Dean Jones
The Smith/Harris tandem
The Vikings had arguably the best safety duo in the NFL last season. Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris were nothing short of phenomenal and both played a leading role in the franchise returning to the playoffs.
This was essential when one considers Minnesota’s struggles on the outside at cornerback. Things might have come to a different conclusion had Smith and Harris not been at the top of their game to sure up the back end.
Pro Football Focus ranked Harris as the league’s top safety in 2019. Smith was not far behind, coming in at No. 4 to further highlight their overall influence on the organization’s 10-6 record.
Reports are now suggesting the Vikings are in discussions with Harris regarding a contract extension after unsuccessful attempts to try and trade the player. This would be a massive boost for a secondary that will be missing Trae Waynes, Xavier Rhodes and Mackensie Alexander next season.
Their presence in a critical area of the field is going to do a tremendous amount of good for Minnesota in 2020. The Vikings’ new defensive coordinator duo of Adam Zimmer and Andre Patterson will need to lean on the pair and hope their cornerback reinforcements coming in either in free agency or the NFL Draft can make an instant contribution.
If Mike Hughes can overcome his injury struggles to play a more prominent role and Holton Hill can take another leap forward, then Minnesota’s secondary could be much improved next season.