5 moves to save the Vikings $40 million in cap space in 2023

Restructure Harrison Smith

• Cap savings – $9.09 million

Harrison Smith is not getting any younger. Although it would be worth the Vikings securing a long-term replacement soon, the All-Pro remains a high performer that was one of the team’s only shining lights on defense in 2022.

Hopefully, Lewis Cine can get back for the new season and form a productive partnership with Smith. If not, then Minnesota needs to secure another option capable of contributing via free agency or the 2023 NFL Draft.

Smith will be around in some capacity next season unless something drastic occurs. Talking through a contract restructuring with the safety potentially saves the Vikings $9.09 million, which is a nice chunk of change that provides extra flexibility.

These five moves save Minnesota around $40 million. While that would only provide the team with $19 million to spend and sign their draft class, it’s a step in the right direction.

The obvious cloud hanging over the Vikings is the contract of Kirk Cousins. They could restructure or extend the quarterback, but trading him with few realistic options elsewhere doesn’t seem feasible unless a whopping offer comes in.

One doesn’t envy the hard choices ahead for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. All fans can do is wait and hope the correct decisions are made by those in power.