Will Harrison Smith Return to the Vikings in 2025? The Offseason Dilemma Unfolds
As the Minnesota Vikings face a critical offseason, one of their biggest questions revolves around All-Pro safety Harrison Smith and his potential return for the 2025 season. However, before addressing his future, Smith has some business to settle.
During the Wild Card Playoff game, Smith was fined $45,020 for “impermissible use of the helmet” on Tyler Higbee during the Vikings’ 27-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. This fine was one of 13 handed out during Wild Card weekend and matched the penalty given to Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams for a similar infraction against the Buffalo Bills.
While this isn’t Smith’s first fine of this nature, the financial hit is manageable for a veteran who has earned $96.4 million over his 13-year career, according to Over The Cap.
Harrison Smith Reflects on an Emotional Season
Smith, who has spent his entire career with the Vikings, recently completed his 13th NFL season. Turning 36 in February, the veteran safety has yet to decide whether he will return for a 14th year. Reflecting on his time with teammates and coaches, Smith became emotional, particularly when speaking about fellow safeties Camryn Bynum and Josh Metellus.
“44 [Metellus] is a special guy. 24 [Bynum], 44, I felt like I had been a mentor of sorts. Seen them grow into really, really special players, great people. So it’s been a pleasure to be around,” Smith shared on January 14.
He also credited Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores for making the season one of the most enjoyable of his career:
“When you’ve played as long as I have, you don’t feel great every day. But playing – especially this year, in this defense – was some of the most fun I’ve had, and that starts with Flo.”
Smith’s one-year, $9 million deal made him a valuable asset on the field and in the locker room. However, the Vikings face significant roster challenges this offseason, including Bynum’s free agency and addressing other key positions.
Vikings and the Cost of Fines
Smith’s $45,020 fine was the largest among the $127,000 in total penalties incurred by Vikings players in 2024, according to Spotrac. Here’s how the fines broke down:
- Byron Murphy Jr.: $11,255 for taunting (Week 16)
- Jerry Tillery: $15,167 for a hit on a defenseless player (Week 13)
- Cam Akers: $6,544 for impermissible use of the helmet (Week 10)
- Blake Cashman: $11,255 for a facemask (Week 10)
- Cam Robinson: $11,255 for a late hit (Week 10)
- Aaron Jones: $11,817 for a low block (Week 8)
- Ivan Pace Jr.: $5,120 for a facemask (Week 8)
- Jihad Ward: $9,667 for a late hit (Week 2)
The Vikings’ fines contributed to the league’s $12.6 million total fines during the postseason, underscoring the team’s physical playstyle throughout the season.
What’s Next for Smith and the Vikings?
As head coach Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings brass evaluate their offseason priorities, Smith’s leadership remains invaluable. Whether or not he decides to return, his legacy as a mentor and a cornerstone of the defense is undeniable.
Smith’s next steps will undoubtedly shape the Vikings’ plans as they prepare to address multiple roster needs and build on their recent success. Fans and teammates alike will be watching closely as one of Minnesota’s longest-tenured players contemplates the next chapter of his storied career.