Vikings safety Harrison Smith puts retirement on hold to come back for a 15th season

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith is coming back for a 15th season.

The Vikings announced Saturday that they had agreed to terms on a deal with the six-time Pro Bowl selection who has spent his entire career in Minnesota. Terms weren’t disclosed.

Smith had indicated at the end of last season that he wasn’t sure whether he would retire or play again in 2026, and his future was the subject of speculation thoughout the offseason.

The 37-year-old Smith is one of only four players ever to have 50 tackles for loss and 100 passes defended while playing at least 200 career games. The others are Charles Woodson, Brian Dawkins and Ronde Barber.

Smith has 21 1/2 career sacks and 39 interceptions. Barber is the only other NFL player to ever have at least 38 interceptions and 21 ½ sacks.

Smith’s 207 career games played are the most ever by a Vikings defensive back and rank him fifth in franchise history, behind Jim Marshall (270), Mick Tingelhoff (240), Fred Cox (210) and Carl Eller (209).

He has made 203 career starts to rank third in team history, behind Marshall’s 270 and Tingelhoff’s 240.

Smith made the Pro Bowl five consecutive years from 2015-19. He also reached the Pro Bowl in 2021. He earned All-Pro honors in 2017 and was a second-team selection in All-Pro balloting in 2018.

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