Minnesota Vikings: 5 players who could be extended before next season

Minnesota Vikings Player No. 1: Harrison Smith

This is a complete shot in the dark because the Vikings don’t have the money for it, and safety Harrison Smith is already making $10.7 million next season. But he has no guaranteed money remaining on his deal entering 2021.

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That fact alone might make it worth going back to the negotiation table.

Even entering his age-31 season, Smith remains one of the top safeties in the league. While Harris ranked second among safeties in overall grade at Pro Football Focus, Smith ranked third and remains a heavy-hitting threat who can back off into coverage.

Teams are reluctant to sign their older players to contracts, but most veterans don’t see the end of their contracts anyway. By signing Smith to a two- or three-year extension, the Vikings can virtually ensure he ends his career in Minnesota and create some much-needed cap room in the process.

Again, this is far-fetched because of Smith’s age and the Vikings’ current cap situation, but locking up one of their leaders for a final contract wouldn’t be a terrible idea.