Hang On Harry

[FourCornersViking]

EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings on Wednesday announced a post-June 1 release of safety Harrison Smith.

The procedural move, which spreads a cap hit over two seasons, does not indicate where Smith is at in his decision of whether to return for a 15th season in Minnesota.

From the NFL Operations Manual, "Teams are allowed to release two players prior to June 1 (but on or after the first day of the League Year) while still using this designation and getting the same cap treatment. However, the cap savings created by a June 1 designation do not take effect until after June 1."

The 37-year-old passed the 200-game threshold in 2025 and has started 203 of 207 regular-season games since joining the Vikings as a first-round pick in 2012.

Smith has 39 career interceptions, the most among 2025 active NFL players, and 21.5 sacks.

[StickierBuns]

I like Harry.....fans love Harry.....the team loves Harry.....but Harry isn't the same Hitman of 3 or 4 years ago. (ducks flying tomatoes and various garbage).

[Vikesrock]

I like Harry.....fans love Harry.....the team loves Harry.....but Harry isn't the same Hitman of 3 or 4 years ago. (ducks flying tomatoes and various garbage).

While I do agree with you on this, I just wonder how much "Quarterbacking" would be missed if he isn't on the field?  Who picks that up?

[purplefaithful]

No, he aint the hitman of years prior...

But I think Harry mentoring a rook S is a good thing! I mean he'd only come back if he felt he'd enjoy it and can play still.

His value on the field now is a cerebral one and on the bench too. BFlo D scheme doesn't come easy to a lot of these guys.

Just ask Dallas Turner...

[Kentis]

The silence on this is deafening…

[MaroonBells]

I like Harry.....fans love Harry.....the team loves Harry.....but Harry isn't the same Hitman of 3 or 4 years ago. (ducks flying tomatoes and various garbage).

No tomatoes here...I actually agree with you. I was surprised at how well he played in '25. I didn't think he was all that great in '24. Is the cliff nearby? It could be...but if he sees hope in the QB we bring in and wants to come back for a shot at a Lombardi, I'd love to see it. Given his reduced salary, it's not like he represents an undue drain on our budget.

[Montana Tom]

What are the chances he comes back as a DB coach?

[pattersaur]

So we're releasing him regardless of whether or not he retires? Am I understanding this? Harry is a Vikes legend regardless and if he wants to chase a ring he's earned that and then some. But if he wants to keep playing the Vikings better have an offer on the table for him or that's extremely weak. He was solid in 2025.

[Kentis]

Harrison Smith's release is procedural; the Vikings welcome his return in 2026 if he decides to continue playing.

EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings on Wednesday announced a post-June 1 release of safety Harrison Smith.
The procedural move, which spreads a cap hit over two seasons, does not indicate where Smith is at in his decision of whether to return for a 15th season in Minnesota.
From the NFL Operations Manual, "Teams are allowed to release two players prior to June 1 (but on or after the first day of the League Year) while still using this designation and getting the same cap treatment. However, the cap savings created by a June 1 designation do not take effect until after June 1."

https://www.vikings.com/news/harrison-sm...tatus-2026

[medaille]

What are the chances he comes back as a DB coach?

I don't think he's much of a want to coach guy.  No real reason why I think that, just vibes.

I think he's more of a do his own hobbies guy.