6 Vikings players who could be cap casualties in 2023
By Adam Carlson
![(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) Za'Darius Smith (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) Za'Darius Smith](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fthevikingage-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2023-2F01-2F1453814323-850x560-1b462ce0217488a95ce6290e2ebcfda55a8c1e279e80ddfbee1d87cac9f3d0d5.jpg)
Harrison Smith, safety
- 2023 cap hit: $19,127,636
- Savings in 2023 if released; 7,379,984
Harrison Smith will be 34 years old when next season rolls around. He seems to defy aging since he was one of the few bright spots in the thirty-first-ranked defense that struggled to stop any opponent they faced.
Minnesota’s safety tied his season-high in interceptions with five last season with double-digit pass defenses. Since the Vikings were without first-round pick Lewis Cine, a lot of responsibility fell on the 11-year veteran.
Since cutting Smith would incur nearly $12M in dead money, it wouldn’t be the wisest move but it might become necessary if the front office struggles to find a way to clear enough cap to be ready for the upcoming year.
Like Thielen, a salary reduction or contract restructure will likely be in order. for the former six-time Pro Bowl defender and one-time All-Pro First Teamer. It’s hard to imagine him playing for another team.