Part of the Minnesota Vikings’ successful start to free agency has been their ability to retain their own free agents. To begin the week, they signed both Aaron Jones and Byron Murphy, Jr. to extensions. They are now bringing back another key player for 2025, who many were not sure would be in the NFL next year, let alone on the Vikings.

Late Wednesday, Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported the Vikings and long-time safety Harrison Smith agreed to terms on a new contract.

After the season, there was speculation that Smith, 36, could be retiring. Instead, he returns for his 14th season, all of which have been in Minnesota.

Smith’s status became more urgent when fellow safety Cam Bynum signed with the Indianapolis Colts this week. Entering free agency, Josh Metellus was the only returning starter from the secondary. Now, the Vikings have Murphy and Smith, back, helping new members of the secondary learn Brian Flores’ complex system.

The Vikings signed former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Isaiah Rodgers on Monday. Last week, they signed Theo Jackson, who has spent the past three seasons with the Vikings and could look for a more significant role on the defense. Minnesota could still look to add to the secondary in the draft, but there is far less desperation now.

In 2024, Smith intercepted three passes in 16 games. He has 37 interceptions and 20.5 sacks, only the seventh defensive back in NFL history to register at least 30 sacks and 20 sacks in a career. Five of the other six players to do so are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Smith hopes another year, and potentially a Super Bowl ring, can solidify his Hall of Fame status.