Forum The Longship Hang On Harry

Hang On Harry

FourCornersViking
Joined Jan 2014
213 posts
Rep: 230

EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings on Wednesday announced a post-June 1 release of safety Harrison Smith.

The procedural move, which spreads a cap hit over two seasons, does not indicate where Smith is at in his decision of whether to return for a 15th season in Minnesota.

From the NFL Operations Manual, "Teams are allowed to release two players prior to June 1 (but on or after the first day of the League Year) while still using this designation and getting the same cap treatment. However, the cap savings created by a June 1 designation do not take effect until after June 1."

The 37-year-old passed the 200-game threshold in 2025 and has started 203 of 207 regular-season games since joining the Vikings as a first-round pick in 2012.

Smith has 39 career interceptions, the most among 2025 active NFL players, and 21.5 sacks.

#1 · Mar 11, 10:17 AM
Vikesrock
Joined Jan 2014
68 posts
Rep: 179
StickierBuns wrote:
I like Harry.....fans love Harry.....the team loves Harry.....but Harry isn't the same Hitman of 3 or 4 years ago. (ducks flying tomatoes and various garbage).

While I do agree with you on this, I just wonder how much "Quarterbacking" would be missed if he isn't on the field?  Who picks that up?

#2 · Mar 11, 10:28 AM
purplefaithful
Joined May 2013
3,478 posts
Rep: 4,142

No, he aint the hitman of years prior...

But I think Harry mentoring a rook S is a good thing! I mean he'd only come back if he felt he'd enjoy it and can play still.

His value on the field now is a cerebral one and on the bench too. BFlo D scheme doesn't come easy to a lot of these guys.

Just ask Dallas Turner...

Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger! 

#3 · Mar 11, 10:32 AM
Kentis
Joined Oct 2013
541 posts
Rep: 931

The silence on this is deafening…

#4 · Mar 11, 11:24 AM
MaroonBells
Joined Jan 2014
3,235 posts
Rep: 4,468
StickierBuns wrote:
I like Harry.....fans love Harry.....the team loves Harry.....but Harry isn't the same Hitman of 3 or 4 years ago. (ducks flying tomatoes and various garbage).

No tomatoes here...I actually agree with you. I was surprised at how well he played in '25. I didn't think he was all that great in '24. Is the cliff nearby? It could be...but if he sees hope in the QB we bring in and wants to come back for a shot at a Lombardi, I'd love to see it. Given his reduced salary, it's not like he represents an undue drain on our budget.

#5 · Mar 11, 11:25 AM
Montana Tom
Joined May 2013
686 posts
Rep: 1,239

What are the chances he comes back as a DB coach?

#6 · Mar 11, 11:27 AM
pattersaur
Joined Jul 2017
722 posts
Rep: 720

So we're releasing him regardless of whether or not he retires? Am I understanding this? Harry is a Vikes legend regardless and if he wants to chase a ring he's earned that and then some. But if he wants to keep playing the Vikings better have an offer on the table for him or that's extremely weak. He was solid in 2025.

#7 · Mar 11, 11:38 AM
Kentis
Joined Oct 2013
541 posts
Rep: 931

Harrison Smith's release is procedural; the Vikings welcome his return in 2026 if he decides to continue playing.

EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings on Wednesday announced a post-June 1 release of safety Harrison Smith.
The procedural move, which spreads a cap hit over two seasons, does not indicate where Smith is at in his decision of whether to return for a 15th season in Minnesota.
From the NFL Operations Manual, "Teams are allowed to release two players prior to June 1 (but on or after the first day of the League Year) while still using this designation and getting the same cap treatment. However, the cap savings created by a June 1 designation do not take effect until after June 1."

https://www.vikings.com/news/harrison-smith-safety-retirement-contract-status-2026

edited Mar 11, 2026 1:16 PM
#8 · Mar 11, 1:11 PM
medaille
Joined Mar 2014
669 posts
Rep: 892
Montana Tom wrote:
What are the chances he comes back as a DB coach?

I don't think he's much of a want to coach guy.  No real reason why I think that, just vibes.

I think he's more of a do his own hobbies guy.

#9 · Mar 11, 1:18 PM
Vikergirl
Joined May 2013
494 posts
Rep: 670

Idgaf if he is the same Hitman as he was. He is still so much better than a lot of options out there. His leadership, experience and football IQ are second to none and that is priceless. He talked about having fun again and I think that is a key factor. I hope he comes back. Then he can get a second retirement tour.

You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it. — Robin Williams

#10 · Mar 11, 1:41 PM
JimmyinSD
JimmyinSD
Admin
Joined May 2013
1,754 posts
Rep: 1,867
medaille wrote:

I don't think he's much of a want to coach guy.  No real reason why I think that, just vibes.

I think he's more of a do his own hobbies guy.

I agree.  I see him as more of a blend into the brush and coach his kids little league  and local HS chess teams.  or say F it and just go flying every day.

Why isn't Chuck Foreman in the Hall of Fame?

#11 · Mar 11, 2:32 PM
Zanary
Joined May 2013
1,047 posts
Rep: 674

More than one bobblehead mentioned the possibility that he mysteriously reappears late this Summer, so...I'm not mourning just yet.

I would like him to reappear as a position coach, someday, but I've wanted that from many Vikings players that wandered off into retirement.

KOC, JJM, Flores...make a good plan, or you'll be following Kwesi....

#12 · Mar 11, 2:46 PM
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Forum The Longship Hang On Harry

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