5 most untouchable players on the 2023 Minnesota Vikings

Vikings player No. 2

Harrison Smith, safety

Unlike Justin Jefferson, Harrison Smith isn't a player the Minnesota Vikings are looking to build their franchise around. Instead, having an experienced defender on the field to help a youthful group grow as well as transition to a new defensive coordinator.

Smith restructured his contract to stay in Minnesota this season. At 34 years old and with 159 games on his resume, it likely won't be too much longer before the first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft decides to call it a career.

Although the Vikings drafted Lewis Cine in the first round of the 2022 to potentially take over a starting spot, he was only able to see action in three games last season and played only two defensive snaps.

The Minnesota Vikings are currently in the transition of a competitive rebuild. Keeping Smith this season should be a part of it. Releasing him after the restructure wouldn't make much sense and a team trading for him seems very unlikely.