Will veteran safety Harrison Smith return? Analysts debate his potential comeback, impacting draft and free agency priorities for the Vikings' defense.
Could Harrison Smith actually come back to Minnesota for another season? One site is looking at that possibility.
The veteran safety has meant so much to the Vikings defense for several years. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler believes that it's a real possibility Smith could return to Minnesota if back for another year. Fowler discussed the potential move.
"Latest on whether they will re-sign safety Harrison Smith: Smith got the last-game treatment in Week 18, subbing out in the final minutes for a home-crowd ovation and hugs from teammates. That signals a looming retirement. But if he plays a 15th season, the chances of a return to Minnesota would be high. He produced at age 36 with 54 tackles, two interceptions, 10 pass deflections and one sack."
What kind of deal Smith would come back for is up for debate. Certainly, love for the game and Minnesota would play a role in the decision. Even should he opt to retire, several players have had second thoughts and come out of retirement. The Vikings have been the beneficiary of such a decision before, most notably from former quarterback Brett Favre.
A return from Smith could determine where the Vikings go in the draft and free agency, but whether he returns or not many believe the team will draft a defensive back this offseason. ESPN's Matt Miller predicted what the Vikings will do in the upcoming draft.
"Early draft outlook: If Flores isn't hired away as a head coach, he'll want to bolster the secondary. Ohio State's Caleb Downs is unlikely to last until the late teens, but he would be an ideal pick in a Minkah Fitzpatrick-type role. Either Brandon Cisse (South Carolina) or Colton Hood (Tennessee) might be more likely options to fill a need at cornerback."
Green Bay Packers guard Lecitus Smith (68) is shown during the third quarter of their game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, January 4, 2026 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesRecent wide receiver news might make things interesting on the player acquisition front. With the recent news of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison's arrest, things are perhaps shakier at that position than originally thought. Whether or not it prevents Addison from playing in 2026 is not as significant as what it says about the Vikings' ability to trust the receiver to make the right decisions.
With uncertainty following Addison's arrest and the possibility of losing tight end T.J. Hockenson, we might see wide receiver or tight end become a possibility in the draft. Even so, defensive back stands as an important position to address as well.
Minnesota will look to make strong decisions over the offseason.