One of the Vikings' best players is on the verge of making a tough decision
A Vikings Pro Bowler is facing a difficult decision that could impact his future with the team.
Harrison Smith has been the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive leader over the last decade. But in order to remain with the team in 2023, Smith could be asked to make a significant sacrifice.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Folwer recently released an article citing some of the Vikings’ biggest decisions in the 2023 offseason. Included in the article was a potential pay cut for Smith next season.
"The Vikings are open for business as well. They've released three veteran players thus far — including legacy player Adam Thielen — and multiple teams believe Minnesota has had trade talks centered around running back Dalvin Cook. The team is attempting to re-sign Cook's backup, Alexander Mattison, who is poised for a starter's role somewhere. Safety Harrison Smith most likely needs to take a pay cut to remain with the team. He's due $15 million-plus in cash and the Vikings are in clear scale-back mode."
The Vikings are currently one of the NFL’s most cap-strapped teams at $6.648 million over the cap, according to Spotrac. In order to make necessary upgrades through free agency, Minnesota must make room by shedding some of its expensive contracts.
Smith, 34, is still capable of playing good football for the Vikes. While still being one of the defense’s most valuable pieces, his production no longer matches his $19 million cap hit in 2023.
It’s been a nearly perfect marriage between Smith and the Vikings since he was selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. But if the Vikings intend on patching some of its roster holes, the two sides will have to come together and discuss a hometown discount.
