Harrison Smith's decision to return means the Vikings have their conductor back
The 36-year-old safety considered retirement for a third consecutive year before electing to play another season. That decision was great news for a defense that relies on him for guidance.
The Vikings spent about $297 million in free agency this offseason, according to Over The Cap, placing them second in the NFL to the $365 million invested by the New England Patriots.
Some of the most significant investments came on defense, including bringing in defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave and retaining cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.
But one of the most important moves — at least for coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores — might have been convincing safety Harrison Smith to return for a 14th NFL season.
There is often a case to be made for a player — especially an upper-echelon one — retiring a year too early rather than a year too late. Pro sports is littered with stories of those who didn’t know when to walk away, leaving a lasting impression that evokes sadness.
But in Smith’s case there is an exception to be made. That’s because what the 36-year-old has lost in athletic ability, he more than makes up for by being a coach on the field. The safety position is one where guys can stick around longer by combining savvy with their skill.
Rod Woodson, who played 17 years, moved from corner to safety at the age of 34 in 1999 and didn’t retire until after his age 38 season. Brian Dawkins was a safety during his entire 16-year career and also retired after his age 38 season in 2011. Charles Woodson switched from corner to safety after his 14th season and played his final four years at that position before retiring at 39 in 2015.
Smith belongs in the conversation with these three considering all are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Smith has an excellent chance to join them one day. The clock on Smith’s potential induction will start once he has been retired for five years. O’Connell is working to delay that clock from starting.
“I haven’t coached a down for the Minnesota Vikings without Harrison Smith here,” O’Connell told reporters last week at the NFL owners meetings in Palm Beach, Fla. “He’s a huge part of who I am as a coach. He’s a huge part of what we built together in Minnesota. He stands for so many things that I believe in, in this game, in the locker room. Having him back is massive for me.
“And I thought he had a really good year. I think sometimes we get caught up in the nostalgic side of things with, he’s made it 14 years (with) one team, 36 years old. He’s closer to my age than anybody in the locker room. We still have our coffee every Friday. But he’s still a really good player and brings so much to the table to our defense.”
Smith is many things for O’Connell — beyond still being a productive player. This includes being a conduit to the locker room. Smith, who has considered retirement following the past three seasons, has talked about how much he enjoys playing for Flores and it’s Flores’ presence that likely plays a huge role in Smith’s desire to keep going.