Minnesota Vikings legend Harrison Smith has agreed to a one-year contract worth $12.25 million, marking a surprising return to the team just a week before the start of the NFL season. The 37-year-old safety, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, was out of contract at the end of last season and had not rushed to decide on his future.
Smith's return is a significant boost for the Vikings' defense, led by coordinator Brian Flores. He is expected to be a crucial player when the team opens its season against the Green Bay Packers in an NFC North matchup. Last season, Smith appeared in 15 games, recording 10 passes defended, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and a sack. He has played his entire NFL career with the Vikings, who drafted him 29th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft.
In other roster moves, the Vikings also signed 13-year veteran outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy to their practice squad earlier this week. Van Noy, who spent the last three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, brings experience to the edge rusher position. The 35-year-old has 57 sacks in 173 career regular-season games and earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2024. His addition addresses depth concerns following the trade of Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles and a season-ending knee injury to second-year player Tyler Batty.
