The 2026 Minnesota Vikings will have a different experience when they take the field for the first time. Although they were not one of the many teams that made head coaching or coordinator changes, the team's roster would be very different.
Last year, they were starting second-year quarterback with zero NFL playing experience in JJ McCarthy. This year, that job is expected to go to former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray.
But more than the offense, the defense will be very different. It begins in the trenches, where Jonathan Allen and Jevon Hargrave have gone. Now, the Vikings will break out a pair of rookie defensive tackles in Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange along with Jalen Redmond.
Still, the biggest change overall may be in the secondary following the release of 14-year pro Harrison Smith from the roster. The one-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowl safety has been said to be considering retirement for several seasons now, and at age 37, it may be time to walk away.
However, recent comments from Vikings rookie third-round safety Jacoby Thomas suggest that Smith has been around the facility recently. Thomas may also be hinting that Smith will return to the playing field for the Vikings in 2026.
"We've had a little contact recently," Thomas said. "We chatted a little bit...(I'm) ready to meet him in person again and connect with him, and learn as much as I can from him."
Earlier, Coach O'Connell said, "It's good for Jacoby to be breaking news on his first day here."
So, what was KOC pointing towards? Is Smith getting ready to play a 15th season in the NFL now that the Vikings have a former Pro Bowl QB again? Or was the breaking news simply that Smith is already guiding the Vikings' rookie defense, and he might consider a coaching role in Minnesota?
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