Harrison Smith Returns for Vikings Season 15

Harrison Smith is coming back for Season 15 in Minnesota. After months of retirement talk and a March cap cut that never really closed the door, the Vikings safety agreed Saturday to a one-year deal and rejoined the only franchise he has ever known, per Vikings.com and NFL Network.

The Hitman returns eight days before Minnesota hosts Green Bay on Sept. 13. Purple fans who gave him that Week 18 send-off last season get their sequel.

One-year deal, late September arrival

NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported the contract is worth $12.25 million with a maximum of $16.25 million if playoff incentives hit, per NFL.com. The Vikings confirmed the signing Saturday evening. Minnesota had designated Smith a post-June 1 release on March 11, a procedural move that still left room for a return, and the club stayed in contact through the spring and summer.

Smith never announced retirement. He kept saying he had things to think about after that emotional timeout "in honor of Harrison Smith" against the Packers in Week 18. Teammate Josh Metellus said at minicamp he was waiting with "big, open arms." That time is now, with training camp already in the rearview and Week 1 staring down U.S. Bank Stadium.

He joins Kyle Van Noy as another late veteran add for Brian Flores' defense. Van Noy signed to the practice squad earlier in the week. Smith, at 37, slides back into a secondary built around Metellus plus corners Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers.

Fourteen seasons, one jersey

Drafted 29th overall out of Notre Dame in 2012, Smith has played 207 regular-season games, all for Minnesota, with 203 starts. Vikings.com and NFL.com list 1,180 tackles, 39 interceptions (four returned for touchdowns), 21.5 sacks, 106 passes defensed, 13 forced fumbles, and 10 recoveries. He owns six Pro Bowl nods and Associated Press All-Pro honors (First Team in 2017, Second Team in 2018).

He sits atop the Vikings' all-time lists in pick-sixes and passes defensed, fourth in interceptions, and fifth in games played. Coach Kevin O'Connell joked this offseason that Smith would play "until he's old and gray," then added that had not happened yet.

"It's always been about the teammates. The relationships," Smith said in the team's announcement coverage, still in full Classic uniform gear as the news landed. The Packers visit in eight days. Minnesota just got its safety back for one more ride. For more Vikings board already on Smacktok, see Gonzalez staying quiet on his deal. Saturday belonged to the Hitman's return.