In the middle of everyone freaking out about the latest Aaron Rodgers rumors on Wednesday, the Minnesota Vikings revealed the news that longtime safety Harrison Smith is officially returning to the team for his 14th season.
Smith and the Vikings reportedly agreed to a restructured one-year contract that will pay him at least $10.25 million next season, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero on Wednesday.
After recently turning 36-years-old in February, it seems safe to assume there is a very good chance that the All-Pro Minnesota safety is about to play his final season in the league.
Minnesota Vikings hoping they can send Harrison Smith off into the sunset
Smith has never played for another team other than the Vikings during his entire career in the NFL. He's been around for some very forgettable seasons in Minnesota, but he's also been a part of some of the most memorable moments in the history of the franchise.
When things weren't going well for the Vikings near the end of the Mike Zimmer era, Smith could have done what many have done before him and asked to be traded to a contending team. But he didn't, and Minnesota should repay his loyalty in 2025 by doing everything they can to send him off into retirement with a Super Bowl ring.
Coming off a 14-win performance last season, and with the way the Vikings have been adding new talent in free agency this year, there's no reason why they shouldn't be able to contend for a championship during the 2025 campaign.
It's not like Minnesota is reluctantly bringing Smith back for another year, either. The dude can still play. Last season, Smith was the Vikings' top-ranked safety in terms of overall PFF defensive grade, and he finished with the second-most pass breakups among all Minnesota defenders.
With head coach Kevin O'Connell leading the way, the Vikings are hoping to contend for a championship for the next handful of years. But in 2025, there's a good chance that Minnesota's attempt to win a title could be its last with Smith on the roster.