The Minnesota Vikings have retained two key starters from last season’s secondary, which led the league in interceptions, and both came at a high price.
Pro Bowl cornerback secured a three-year, $54 million contract, while veteran safety, a six-time Pro Bowler, agreed to return for his 14th NFL season at age 36.
To manage salary cap concerns, the Vikings had to restructure Smith’s contract by mid-March to avoid a $25 million cap hit in 2026. Notably, his new deal includes a similar clause as his previous contract, requiring the team to make a decision by the third day of the 2026 league year—either releasing him or fully guaranteeing his $25 million salary for 2027.
According to Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune, his revised deal includes a $9.9 million cap hit, an $8 million signing bonus, a $2 million base salary, and up to $250,000 in per-game roster bonuses. Additionally, he has performance incentives of up to $750,000 based on playing time.
Last season, Smith started 16 games, recording 87 total tackles, three tackles for loss, 10 pass breakups, three interceptions, one sack, and one fumble recovery.
Vikings Lost 3 Starters in Secondary After Re-Signing Harrison Smith, Byron Murphy Jr.
Smith’s leadership and experience will bring stability to Minnesota’s secondary while pairing him with Murphy, who recorded a career-high six interceptions last season. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores will also return for his third year leading the unit.
In the safety group, Theo Jackson is set to replace Camryn Bynum, who departed in free agency to sign with the Indianapolis Colts.
The Vikings also lost cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin, both of whom were key starters last season. As of March 26, neither had signed with a new team, leaving the door open for a potential return. However, the fact that Minnesota allowed both to hit the open market suggests a reunion is unlikely—especially for Gilmore, who earned $7 million on a one-year contract in 2024, and Griffin, who made $4.55 million last season.
Vikings Loaded Up During First 2 Weeks of Free Agency
Minnesota used its salary cap savings and additional financial flexibility to bolster both sides of the ball, signing defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave to multiyear contracts.
The Vikings also strengthened their offensive line by adding two former Colts—four-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries. Additionally, they secured a key offensive weapon by re-signing running back Aaron Jones.
Instead of bringing back quarterback Sam Darnold or pursuing free agent Aaron Rodgers—Jones’ former teammate in Green Bay—the Vikings opted to conserve cap space. This decision has cleared the path for J.J. McCarthy to take over as the team’s starting quarterback heading into his second NFL season.