There is only one game left on the schedule for the Minnesota Vikings this season. After their Week 18 contest against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, the future of some players in regards to staying with the team becomes unclear.
A major question about the Vikings in 2026 is whether veteran safety Harrison Smith will retire this offseason or if he will decide to return for one more season before hanging up his cleats for good and calling it a career.
Minnesota Vikings legend Paul Krause recently posted a photo of himself with safety Harrison Smith on social media, which includes an interesting caption.
After how youthful and excited he looked while playing against the Detroit Lions last week, it wouldn't be shocking if Smith decided to stick around for one more season. His play hasn't declined sharply with age, as it does with some players, so the team would likely welcome him back with open arms.
However, not everyone believes that Harrison Smith will be as eager to return to the purple and gold for another year. Pro Football Hall of Fame safety and Vikings legend Paul Krause recently shared an interesting post on X that sounds like Sunday could be Smith's final game with Minnesota.
Hats off to you, #22! pic.twitter.com/cODWiNMUH1
— Paul Krause (@PaulKrauseHOF) January 3, 2026
The photo shows the two Vikings safeties who wore the number 22 jersey in Krause's garage. The casual photo is great, but the caption reading "Hats off to you, #22!" could be read as a farewell message as well as praise for the 14 years Smith has been with Minnesota.
While some media and fans are calling the game between the Vikings and Packers "meaningless" since Green Bay is resting starters and Minnesota is eliminated from playoff contention, there are plenty of reasons to check out Sunday's contest.
Not only could this be Harrison Smith's final game with the Minnesota Vikings, but he should be a lock for the team's Ring of Honor, and there is a great argument for him to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
There is also the play of young quarterback J.J. McCarthy to watch. Plus, superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson is chasing 1,000 receiving yards on the season and has the opportunity to reach that number in Week 18.
Make sure to take a moment to appreciate everything Harrison Smith has done for the Minnesota Vikings since he was a first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, since it could be the last opportunity to see him suit up for the purple and gold.