The Vikings Safety Room May Not Need Harrison Smith
The Minnesota Vikings are still in the midst of the “Great Harrison Smith Retirement Decision, Part IV”. This one is going on a little bit longer than the other three.
The Notre Dame alumni is still mulling over the decision whether or not to return to the team for a 15th season. Harrison turned 37 years old in February, which would of course, make him one of the elder statesmen in the National Football League, as if he wasn’t already. The Vikings have made it clear they would welcome Smith back with open arms should he want to return, but they may have set themselves up decently in the scenario in which he doesn’t.
They may not be the most attractive list of names, but with Brian Flores calling the shots, they should be able to get the job done.
Vikings’ Safety Unit May Be Able to Get By Without Harrison Smith Around
While Josh Metellus isn’t your typical deep-field safety, he’s still a player that Flores wants on the field when his defense is called upon. Metellus is more of a rover, but played a bit more true safety during the 2025 season. You’d love to have him more in the box and to limit his exposure to guarding deep passing plays, but his experience and knowledge of the defense makes him very valuable.
Theo Jackson hasn’t truly “wowed” anyone during his time with the Vikings, but he hasn’t been noticeable. For a defensive back playing pass coverage, that’s usually a good thing. Jackson is probably decent enough to remain starter, and the Vikings likely think so too. In 2025, the Vikings gave Jackson a 2-year/$12.6 million extension that keeps him in Minnesota through the 2027 season. The deal also included a fully-guaranteed 2026 season.
Minnesota drafted Jakobe Thomas in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft out of Miami, and he may be the closest thing to a safety that could play the Harrison Smith role long-term. Thomas is a very smart and physical safety, and displayed a knack for picking up defenses quickly in college. During his collegiate career, he had to learn three different defenses in four years, and did so with flying colors.
Other safeties on the Vikings’ roster include names like Jay Ward, Jacob Thomas, Kahlef Hailassie, and Tavierre Thomas. Jay Ward and Tavierre Thomas are likely to make the roster, as Jay Ward is a rotational safety/nickel back, and Thomas is a special teamer. Jacob Thomas and Kahlef Hailassie are likely to be practice squad signings after the 53-man roster is finalized before the beginning of the regular season.
The Vikings Still Have a Spot for Harrison Smith
The longer we go without hearing a final verdict from Harrison Smith, the more it feels like he’s probably coming back. Even so, he likely wouldn’t return until after training camp, or even while the regular season is in play.
Minnesota may feel decent enough with their safety room as it stands, but it’s set up to also accommodate a Harrison Smith return. For Harrison Smith not to return, Minnesota would likely need Jakobe Thomas to develop quick, as there wouldn’t be a ton of room for Thomas not to play during certain times. Minnesota rotates their defensive personnel a lot under Brian Flores, so they would need to be sure the kid can play.
If Smith does return, then you’re getting back a leader with invaluable knowledge of the defense and how to run it while on the field. Less importantly, it would be another feel-good story for Vikings fans everywhere.
