The Minnesota Vikings announced Monday morning that they have signed safety Harrison Smith to a five-year contract extension worth $51.25 million. The deal includes a $10 million signing bonus, and $28.578 million in guaranteed money. Smith was scheduled to play on his fifth-year option this upcoming season, but instead, he is now signed through 2021.
If the deal holds, it would make Smith the highest-paid safety in the NFL.
He was selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, and made his first Pro Bowl this past season. In Mike Zimmer's offense, he ranked third in interceptions with five in 2014, as well as recording three sacks.
The 27-year-old proved to be very reliable for the Vikings' defense, being on the field for 746 of the team's 1,015 defensive snaps, which is good for 73.5 percent of those snaps. With Smith on the field, the team allowed a total QBR of 47.2, while allowing a 78.7 QBR without him.
The team has tried for the past few years to find the right safety to give the big money to. They attempted with free agents Devin McCourty and George Iloka, but did not find them to be worth the money.
The man who already holds the franchise record with four interceptions returned for touchdowns has proven enough that he is worth that money. The team can only hope that he remains healthy and productive throughout this contract.
If the deal holds, it would make Smith the highest-paid safety in the NFL.
He was selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, and made his first Pro Bowl this past season. In Mike Zimmer's offense, he ranked third in interceptions with five in 2014, as well as recording three sacks.
The 27-year-old proved to be very reliable for the Vikings' defense, being on the field for 746 of the team's 1,015 defensive snaps, which is good for 73.5 percent of those snaps. With Smith on the field, the team allowed a total QBR of 47.2, while allowing a 78.7 QBR without him.
The team has tried for the past few years to find the right safety to give the big money to. They attempted with free agents Devin McCourty and George Iloka, but did not find them to be worth the money.
The man who already holds the franchise record with four interceptions returned for touchdowns has proven enough that he is worth that money. The team can only hope that he remains healthy and productive throughout this contract.
