The Minnesota Vikings experienced a changing of the guard on offense last offseason. Long-time contributors, wide receiver Adam Thielen and running back Dalvin Cook, were both released for salary cap reasons.
That could have just been the beginning, as more changes could be on the horizon this offseason. Quarterback Kirk Cousins is set to be an unrestricted free agent and could move on. Defensively, the team’s leader, safety Harrison Smith, could be a cap casualty as well.
The Vikings are projected to have a healthy $39.7 million available in cap space, but that could quickly disappear depending on what they do with Cousins and star defensive end Danielle Hunter. If they want to open up a significant chunk of money to spend, releasing Smith is an option, according to the Scouting Department over at Bleacher Report.
NFL NEWS & RUMORS: Harrison Smith & Minnesota Vikings Updates
“Safety Harrison Smith has been a fixture of the Vikings defense since 2012. He was still a quality 17-game starter in 2023, but Smith will turn 35 in February and has admitted that he has thought about retirement…
Even if Smith decides to keep playing, the Vikings may look to get younger and cheaper at the position. If Smith wants to keep playing for Minnesota, a contract restructuring may be necessary.
Releasing Smith outright would save $11.4 million off the salary cap, while releasing him with a post-June 1 designation would save $15.3 million,” as written over at Bleacher Report.
Smith has been a reliable player at the backend of the Vikings’ defense since he was selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame. A six-time Pro Bowler, no one would fault them if management wanted to keep Smith in Minnesota.
NFL NEWS & RUMORS: Harrison Smith & Minnesota Vikings Updates
However, something will have to be done about his cap hit. $19.2 million is a steep price to pay anyone, let alone a safety who will be 35 during the 2024 season. Paying a premium price at a non-premium position is certainly going to go against the analytics the front office uses.
Smith is still a more than serviceable player, but with holes in other areas on the roster, something will have to give. Outright releasing him is likely not what the Vikings want to do, but if a restructuring cannot be worked out, a release and saving all of that money will be considered.
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