Harrison Smith is returning for his 15th season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2026. Although he isn't the same player he used to be, the 37-year-old safety knows Brian Flores' system as well as anyone and will have a significant role on defense this year.
That's no secret to Matt LaFleur, who is entering his eighth season as head coach of the Green Bay Packers. This week, he told reporters the Vikings' defense is as good as it is because of Smith's pre- and post-snap contributions.
"Oh, man, that guy, I refer to him as the straw that serves the drink," LaFleur said of Smith. "He's out there- his command, his ability to get them in and out of calls- it shows up all over the tape."
LaFleur probably wasn't envisioning seeing Smith again after last
season's finale. Late in the fourth quarter, Smith was taken off the field and received a standing ovation in the Week 18 matchup against the Packers.
But the Vikings agreed to terms with Smith to bring him back this week. Now, he will have another chance to face LaFleur and help Minnesota's defense continue operating at the elite level it did at the end of the 2025 season.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Packers HC offers high praise of the returning Harrison Smith
