The Minnesota Vikings roster is currently undergoing significant changes, with the possibility of major adjustments during the upcoming offseason. According to the January 16 report from Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department, three players on each NFL roster are identified as potential free agents due to salary cap constraints. Ranking third on the list of potential cap casualties for the Vikings is six-time Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith.
Smith, a key presence in the Vikings’ defense since 2012, maintained his quality performance as a 17-game starter in 2023. However, at the age of 35 approaching in February, Smith has contemplated retirement. Even if Smith decides to continue playing, the team may seek to rejuvenate the position with younger and more cost-effective options. Should Smith wish to remain with the Vikings, a contract restructuring might be necessary. Releasing Smith outright would result in a savings of $11.4 million off the salary cap, while a post-June 1 designation would yield savings of $15.3 million.
Additionally, the list highlighted backup quarterback Nick Mullens and defensive lineman Dean Lowry as potential departures. The Vikings could save $1.8 million by parting ways with Mullens this offseason, and cutting ties with Lowry would create $5 million in cap space.
Harrison Smith Gives Voice to Rigors of 12-Year Vikings Career
On January 8, in a conversation with Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune, Harrison Smith shared intriguing comments suggesting that his tenure in the NFL might be nearing its conclusion.
Expressing a sense of difficulty in possessing the ability to play without a corresponding desire, Smith remarked, “It’s hard to have the ability to play and not have a desire to play. Whatever that gives you, I’m not trying to be ominous or anything. Right now, my shoulder hurts.”
With two seasons remaining on a four-year, $64 million contract that extends through 2026, Smith’s recent statements to Krammer, less than two weeks ago, could influence the front office’s decision on whether to retain him, release him, or explore renegotiating his contract.
Having accumulated 12 years of experience in professional football, Smith has participated in 176 career games, boasting 175 starts. Throughout this period, he has achieved notable statistics, including 34 interceptions, 12 forced fumbles, and 4 defensive touchdowns, as reported by Pro Football Reference.
Bucs Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. Possible Replacement for Vikings’ Harrison Smith
If the Vikings decide to part ways with Harrison Smith, the team could allocate the significant savings of over $15 million to secure a replacement and reinforce their secondary.
On January 12, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder suggested that first-team All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be an excellent candidate to fill Smith’s role. Holder highlighted Winfield’s exceptional performance during the regular season, earning elite grades from Pro Football Focus in overall play, run defense, and pass-rushing, with only a small margin away from an elite mark in coverage. As a former second-round pick, Winfield is regarded as one of the premier players in his position, making him a top consideration for any team seeking a safety in the open market.
According to Spotrac, Winfield’s market value is projected at $92.3 million over a new five-year contract. He is set to become a free agent on March 13, barring the Buccaneers’ use of the franchise tag to retain him for the 2024 season.
Leave a Reply