The Minnesota Vikings' defense is one of the best in the NFL. They were poised to be without Harrison Smith playing for them in 2026, so what does it mean if he returns? Well, the NFL is about to find out.
Late on Saturday, Sept. 6, the Minnesota Vikings and Harrison Smith agreed to terms on a one-year deal for him to play for the team this season. The one-year deal is for a maximum value of $16 million based on incentives, with $8 million guaranteed as a base.
The Ringer's Tom Pelissero was the first to report the news and terms of the deal.
With the news of the deal hitting social media, folks everywhere had a reaction to news of The Hitman coming back into the fold.
Vikings' social media team was ready
The Hitman Returns The #Vikings and @HarriSmith22 have agreed to terms on a new
contract. pic.twitter.com/0hyhHQJC6P
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 5, 2026
Vikings remind folks of how good he is
𝗦 | 𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗠𝗜𝗧𝗛
— Vikings Communications (@VikingsPR) September 6, 2026
Smith has played 207 regular season games (203 starts), the most by a Vikings DB and fifth most in franchise history across all positions:
1⃣ Jim Marshall: 270
2⃣ Mick Tingelhoff: 240
3⃣ Fred Cox: 210
4⃣ Carl Eller: 209
5⃣ Smith: 207 pic.twitter.com/IqqLW7qPSK
KFAN is ready for him to hit the field
Back for more!#Vikings legend Harrison Smith is returning for his 15th season with the team! Let us know how excited you are for the Hitman to return this year!#Skol pic.twitter.com/sZebw6eRHL
— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) September 5, 2026
Future Hall of Famer?
Most interceptions among players with 20+ career sacks…
— NFL Researcher (@NFL_Researcher) September 6, 2026
1. Charles Woodson - 65 (HOF)
2. Ronde Barber - 47 (HOF)
3. Harrison Smith - 39
4. LeRoy Butler - 38 (HOF)
5. Brian Dawkins - 37 (HOF) https://t.co/jk3APRiQ40
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Social media reacts to Harrison Smith returning to the Vikings
