Thursday began with some Minnesota Vikings news that revealed veteran safety Harrison Smith will be remaining with the team for the 2023 season.
Following what felt like a frenzy on Monday and Tuesday, there hasn’t been as much Minnesota Vikings news during the last two days. However, on Thursday, the Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling revealed that the Vikings and safety Harrison Smith have reportedly agreed to a renegotiated contract that will keep him with the team for the 2023 season.
Harrison Smith is staying in Minnesota; the #Vikings reached a new agreement that will keep the safety with the team.
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) March 16, 2023
Vikings News: Harrison Smith helps Minnesota clear cap space with renegotiated contract
Goessling also revealed that Smith’s renegotiated deal will end up creating $6.7 million in much-needed cap space for the Vikings. The veteran safety has been in Minnesota since the team drafted him in 2012, and he apparently turned down multiple opportunities from other franchises this offseason to remain in the Twin Cities, according to Goessling.
At 34-years-old, Smith is currently the oldest player on the Vikings’ roster. Despite his age, the veteran safety has still been able to play at a high level during his last few years with Minnesota.
Smith’s performance took a bit of a dip in 2022, but that could easily be attributed to the terrible scheme that was run by former Vikings defensive coordinator Ed Donatell. But with Brian Flores in control of Minnesota’s defense now, the veteran defender has a great chance to return to being regarded as one of the best safeties in the NFL in 2023.
Smith’s 37 career interceptions currently rank fifth all-time in Vikings history, and his 946 career tackles rank second in team history since 2001, behind only former Minnesota linebacker Chad Greenway.