Minnesota Vikings security Harrison Smith strains up within the secondary throughout an NFC Wild Card matchup in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. The longtime defensive chief took the sphere on Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona, bringing veteran expertise and stability as Minnesota opened its postseason run in opposition to an NFC contender. Necessary Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Pictures
Will he or gained’t he? That’s the query concerning longtime Minnesota Vikings security Harrison Smith that followers have requested since January: whether or not the veteran defender will return for Yr No. 15. And in accordance with Ben Leber, a former Vikings linebacker, Smith might slow-roll the choice and presumably return after the bye week in October.
It’s the most recent in Smith’s return-or-retire saga that is still one in all Minnesota’s high summer time storylines.
Vikings’ Security Room Has Sufficient Flexibility to Wait
Minnesota Vikings security Harrison Smith prepares on the sideline earlier than a house matchup in opposition to the Houston Texans at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. The veteran defender went by warm-ups on Sep. 22, 2024, in Minneapolis as teammates stretched close by and followers settled into their seats forward of one other regular-season take a look at for Brian Flores’ protection. Necessary Credit score: Brad Rempel-Imagn Pictures
Leber on Smith
Leber is sort of linked to the Vikings, working as a media member for the membership and crossing over into KFAN’s layer of Vikings protection.
He mentioned on his YouTube channel this week about Smith, “I could see him coming back and saying, ‘Okay, I’ll use the bye week to sort of make sure that I’m in football shape. Maybe be on a snap count for the first game or two after that.’”
“And then after that, he’s playing full-time. But I get the sense that he’s not done. He’ll play for part of the season, but I think that’s a major factor because we saw what happens when he’s not in the lineup.”
If Leber is right, it could be a first-of-its-kind association for Smith, who has by no means waited this lengthy to announce his choice.
The Security State of affairs
Relying on rookie Jakobe Thomas’s game-readiness — he’s a Third-Spherical rookie from Miami and fruit of the Jonathan Greenard commerce to the Philadelphia Eagles in April — the security room is well-stocked, although Smith would clearly present a well-known veteran increase.
These are the safeties six weeks earlier than coaching camp with out Smith:
Josh Metellus
Jay Ward
Theo Jackson
Jakobe Thomas
Tavierre Thomas
Kahlef Hailassie
Metellus performed by a torn labrum final yr, main some followers to query his effectiveness. Absolutely healed, Metellus ought to be in line for a bounceback yr. Ward completed the 2025 marketing campaign sturdy, even swiping Jackson’s beginning job in December.
Minnesota Vikings security Harrison Smith participates in pregame drills earlier than a matchup with the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. The longtime defensive chief warmed up on Sep. 15, 2024, in Minneapolis as followers crammed the venue and Minnesota ready for an early-season showdown in opposition to one of many NFC’s high contenders. Necessary Credit score: Brad Rempel-Imagn Pictures
The Thomases will make the energetic roster, and Jakobe might be an x-factor if Smith stays retired.
Our Brevan Bane wrote this week, “While some Vikings fans may want Smith to stay off the roster to focus on younger players like Jay Ward and Jakobe Thomas, it feels like there would be a bit of a gaping hole in the Vikings’ secondary without Harrison Smith. Sure, names like Theo Jackson and Josh Metellus have proven they can provide solid play when called upon. The issue is that Metellus is more of a liability if he plays deep safety.”
“If Harrison Smith, who can do everything, doesn’t come back, then we will have to hope that Jay Ward or Jakobe Thomas are ready to step into those shoes. We can take comfort in the fact that Brian Flores is the defensive coordinator. He will surely maximize all of the talent in the room, but he would also love to have Harrison Smith back.”
A Diplomatic Strategy to Yr No. 15
Minnesota’s bye week happens after the October eleventh recreation in New Orleans, when the Vikings will both have a 5-0, 4-1, 3-2, 2-3, 1-4, or 0-5 document.
If Smith follows the Leber idea, he can principally gauge whether or not a return to the one NFL employer he’s ever recognized is price it. That’s — if the Vikings have a 1-4 or 0-5 document, clearly trending within the flawed course, would it not be price it to come back again for one ultimate journey?
However, if Minnesota hangs powerful and posts a profitable document in September and October, Smith could not need to miss out on the enjoyable. Leber’s thought allows Smith to “wait and see.”
The Quote from January 2024
Close to the top of the 2023 marketing campaign — the “Joshua Dobbs season,” when the Vikings misplaced Kirk Cousins to an Achilles tear — Smith informed reporters, “Whenever I retire, I’m not going to tell you. You’ll figure it out. … I’ll say this, it’s hard to have the ability to play and not have the desire to play. I’m not trying to be ominous or anything. Right now, my shoulder hurts.”
Minnesota Vikings security Harrison Smith strains up on protection throughout a street contest in opposition to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Monetary Area. The veteran playmaker took the sphere on Sep. 14, 2023, in Philadelphia as Minnesota battled the defending NFC champions in a nationally televised matchup early within the common season. Necessary Credit score: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports activities
Some have puzzled just lately if that quote is enjoying out in actual time. Smith boldly informed the world that when he retires, the occasion will transpire with out fanfare. Maybe that’s ongoing, and people have misinterpreted his present standing.
In fact, Leber’s idea this week disagrees. Nonetheless, sooner or later, Smith will fulfill his personal prophecy. For 2026’s sake, it’s a matter of now or the 2027 offseason.
Smith turned 37 in February.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
