MAJOR-NEWS; Is This the End of an Era: Vikings S Harrison Smith Gets Bad News Amid Uncertain Future

The Minnesota Vikings have several key roster decisions to make this offseason, and one of the most significant is whether All-Pro safety Harrison Smith will return for the 2025 season. Before making his decision, Smith has some financial matters to address.

Smith was one of 13 players fined during the Wild Card Playoffs, receiving a penalty of $45,020 for “impermissible use of helmet” on tight end Tyler Higbee during the Vikings’ 27-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. His fine matched that of Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams, who received a similar fine for an incident in his team’s loss to the Buffalo Bills. In total, 13 players were fined over the Wild Card weekend.

Smith, who has earned $96.4 million in his career, isn’t significantly impacted by the fine, even though this is not his first such penalty. The fine, while notable, is not expected to have a major financial impact on the veteran safety.

Having completed his 13th NFL season, all with the Vikings, Smith is set to turn 36 in February, and he has not yet decided whether to return for his 14th season. In reflecting on his time with the team, Smith got emotional when talking about his relationships with fellow safeties Camryn Bynum and Josh Metellus.

Both Bynum and Metellus expressed admiration for Smith, while he acknowledged the support he received from defensive coordinator Brian Flores throughout the season. Smith, who has been a mentor to both players, described this year as one of the most enjoyable of his career, particularly with the defense under Flores’ guidance.

Although Smith remains a valuable player, retirement is a possibility as he enters his mid-30s, and he played the 2024 season on a one-year, $9 million contract. With other important roster decisions to address—especially in the safety position where Bynum is also a free agent—the Vikings face uncertainty about their future plans. Despite this, head coach Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings organization have consistently praised Smith’s contributions both on the field and in the locker room.