The Minnesota Vikings had no choice but to make a tough decision in the offseason, where they were $40 million over the 2026 salary cap. Several Pro Bowl veterans have been released from the team, including a pair of defensive tackles, Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, signed in free agency last offseason. But the migration does not end here.
On Wednesday, the Vikings surprisingly also released Harrison Smith from the team. The potential future Hall of Fame safety is expected to either retire after 14 NFL seasons or re-sign in Minnesota at an even lower rate.
He is being processed as a cap casualty after June 1, saving approximately $1.3 million in cap space (exactly needed to sign Kyler Murray), but the Vikings "would welcome his return" according to Matthew Coler. Right now, he won't take up a roster spot, but his absence leaves a massive void at the safety position next to Josh Metellus in Minnesota.
The Vikings always feared a possible retirement by Smith this offseason, and this could be a precursor to an eventual announcement. For now, the 37-year-old gets some time to decide whether he wants to boost his Hall of Fame resume or begin the next phase in his life, one that will hopefully involve fewer setbacks and injuries.
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