Harrison Smith had a big decision to make ahead of the 2025 NFL season. The 36-year-old safety completed his 13th season in 2024 and there were plenty of questions about whether or not he would return for another year.
The No. 29 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Smith is a six-time Pro Bowl player who is first in franchise history in pass defenses (96), first in solo tackles (822), and tied for fifth in interceptions (37),
On Wednesday, the Vikings' official social media accounts shared that Harrison Smith agreed to a restructured deal to return to Minnesota for his 14th season with the purple and gold. Fans embraced the news, but the veteran safety has nothing left to prove, raising questions about why he decided to play for another year.
Harrison Smith reveals why he’s returning to the Minnesota Vikings for a 14th season
Although Harrison Smith has nothing more to prove to Minnesota Vikings fans, the fan-favorite defensive back still has a fire inside him to continue working with his team and see if he can help take the franchise to the next level.
His decision to return to the NFL was discussed in a video shared on the official Minnesota Vikings YouTube channel.
"When it comes to the journey I’ve had here, it starts with the leadership of this organization, from ownership with the Wilfs, and obviously with Kevin O’Connell. Being able to play for him the last couple years and build this team the right way and the culture. Just knowing what we have here and what we’re capable of and what I believe we’re capable of, it was important for me to come back and chase something this year."Harrison Smith
Smith's return to the Vikings is huge for the team. Minnesota is experiencing a huge turnover in the secondary this offseason, losing multiple cornerbacks as well as fellow starting safety Camryn Bynum.
Having Harrison Smith back in the defense for the Minnesota Vikings brings an experienced defender who is familiar with Brian Flores' system to a team that could look significantly different from the squad that won 14 games last season.
Harrison Smith has not shown any serious signs of decline in his play over the years. The aggressive defender will continue to build his resume and should be considered a lock for the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor and a player with a great chance of earning a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day.