The Minnesota Vikings retained two key starters from last season’s secondary, which led the NFL in interceptions—and neither came at a bargain.
Pro Bowl cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. signed a three-year, $54 million contract, while six-time Pro Bowler Harrison Smith agreed to return for his 14th NFL season at age 36.
To keep Smith, the Vikings had to restructure his contract before mid-March to avoid a $25 million salary cap hit in 2026. However, his new deal includes a similar clause that will force Minnesota to decide on his future by the third day of the 2026 league year—otherwise, his $25 million base salary for 2027 will become fully guaranteed.
“Details of Harrison Smith’s new deal with the #Vikings: $9.901M cap number; $8M signing bonus; $2M base salary; up to $250K per-game roster bonus; $25M base salary for 2027 is fully [guaranteed] if Smith is on the roster the 3rd day of the [2026 league year] (similar to his last deal); up to $750K in incentives based on playing time (65%=$250K; 70%=$500K; 75%=$750K),” Star Tribune reporter Ben Goessling posted on X on March 26.
Smith’s contract also includes additional performance-based incentives that could add millions to his earnings.
Last season, he started 16 games and recorded 87 combined tackles, three tackles for loss, 10 pass breakups, three interceptions, one sack, and one fumble recovery.
Vikings Lost 3 Starters in Secondary After Re-Signing Harrison Smith, Byron Murphy Jr.
Smith’s leadership and experience will provide continuity in Minnesota’s secondary while pairing him with Byron Murphy Jr., who recorded a career-high six interceptions last season. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores will also return for his third season, maintaining stability on that side of the ball.
Theo Jackson is set to step in for Camryn Bynum, Smith’s former starting safety partner, after Bynum departed in free agency to join the Indianapolis Colts.
The Vikings also lost cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin in free agency, both of whom were key contributors to last season’s secondary. However, as of March 26, neither had signed with a new team, leaving open the possibility of a return.
That said, the fact that Minnesota allowed both to test the market suggests a reunion may be unlikely—especially in Gilmore’s case, as he earned $7 million on a one-year deal in 2024. Griffin, who made $4.55 million last season, is in a similar situation.
Vikings Loaded Up During First 2 Weeks of Free Agency
Minnesota used its salary cap savings, along with additional financial flexibility, to bolster both sides of the trenches, signing defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave to multiyear deals.
The Vikings also strengthened their offensive line by adding two former Indianapolis Colts—four-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries. Additionally, they re-signed running back Aaron Jones, securing stability in the backfield.
By opting not to re-sign quarterback Sam Darnold or pursue free agent Aaron Rodgers—Jones’ former teammate in Green Bay—the Vikings saved significant cap space. This decision further clears the path for J.J. McCarthy to take over as the team’s starting quarterback heading into his second NFL season.
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