Harrison Smith Agrees to Pay Cut; Will Stay With Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings have already lost a few of the players — and a beat writer — who once made their team great. But on Thursday, one familiar face decided to stay. According to multiple reports, Harrison Smith has agreed to a pay cut that will keep him in Minnesota for at least one more season.

The Vikings and Harrison Smith have reached a new agreement on a contract that will keep him in Minnesota, sources told The Athletic. The safety made it clear he wanted to remain in purple.

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) March 16, 2023

Harry’s restructured contract is worth $8 million ($2 million in incentives) this season and it will reportedly save the Vikings $6.7 million against the salary cap in 2023-24. It’s a significant cut in salary compared to the $15+ million in cash he was scheduled to make on his old deal.

Harrison Smith rollercoaster comes to happy stop

This ends a rollercoaster rumor mill ride for Harrison Smith and Vikings fans who have been following along over the last couple of weeks. There were reports that he was staying, immediately followed by reports that he wasn’t and his future has been up in the air ever since.

But now we know for sure. One of the greatest defenders in Minnesota Vikings history is officially returning and that will make those in the locker room and fans watching from afar, very happy.

Since joining the Vikings in 2012, Harrison Smith leads the NFL in INTs and ranks tops in the league among all safeties in tackles. pic.twitter.com/0ldOqk9KU7

— Dustin Baker (@DustBaker) March 16, 2023

Now what happens with Dalvin Cook?

Dalvin Cook is the final major domino that needs to fall before we know exactly what the Minnesota Vikings will look like next season and beyond. After they re-upped with Alexander Mattison on Wednesday, what happens next for Cook is anyone’s guess.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan