Most Minnesota Vikings are trying to figure out what is going on with safety Harrison Smith and whether he will be playing for the team in 2026.
Smith has been a free agent, but has continued to stay in contact with Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell about a potential return. O'Connell was once again asked about this during his press conference, as the team returns to training camp. The Vikings head man seemed to give reporters the same answer as before.
ESPN's Kevin Seifert shared whether O'Connell had anything new to reveal about Smith potentially returning to Minnesota at some point this year.
"Kevin O'Connell said he spoke recently with Harrison Smith, who is not signed but has not yet announced his retirement. O'Connell said 'nothing has really changed,' but there was no expectation that it would at this point. Dialogue will continue."
Minnesota Vikings are stuck in a holding pattern with Harrison Smith
Minnesota selected Smith in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft and has since been a starter on the defense. He has appeared in 207 games and started 203 of them.
Smith has racked up 1,180 tackles, 106 pass deflections, 51 tackles for loss, 45 quarterback hits, 39 interceptions, 13 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries, and four interceptions returned for touchdowns. He's made six Pro Bowls and was a first-team All-Pro back in 2017.
Vikings fans have noticed a regression in Smith's playing time and performance over the last few years. Last season, he played in 15 games and started two, racking up a career-low 54 tackles. He did nab two interceptions, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
There is still a lot to figure out for the Vikings, as it will take time to work through whatever Smith and O'Connell need to discuss. In the meantime, defensive coordinator Brian Flores will have to adjust to life without Smith in the lineup.
The Vikings are looking at Josh Metellus and Theo Jackson as potential starters. Rookie third-round pick Jakobe Thomas will be competing with Jackson for the starting job, with Metellus being a lock in the lineup this season.
Over the years, Smith has been a great leader and has helped the Vikings' secondary get in the positions that they need to be in under Flores. His IQ is not the question, but physically, can he keep doing the job at a high level?
As much as Vikings fans would love to have another season with Smith on the field, there's a chance that he might run off into the sunset.
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