The Minnesota Vikings will face significant turnover in the coming offseason, some by necessity and some by choice.
Six-time Pro Bowler and longtime starting safety Harrison Smith is unique, in that he potentially falls in the latter category, though the decision to depart the team will more likely be his than it will be Minnesota’s — should the defensive back decide to hang up his cleats prior to his age-37 campaign in the NFL.
Alec Lewis of The Athletic examined Smith’s current circumstances and also noted a few possible replacements for him, including safety Jay Ward — who is already on the Vikings’ roster — and Bryan Cook of the Kansas City Chiefs via free agency next March.
“Smith, who has looked healthier over the last few weeks and more like his dominant self, might be nearing the end of the road,” Lewis wrote. “The Vikings have given 2023 fourth-round pick Jay Ward more opportunities in the back half of this season. He could push to cement a role.”
“The Chiefs’ Bryan Cook, Quentin Lake of the [Los Angeles] Rams and Alohi Gilman of the [Baltimore] Ravens will be available,” Lewis continued. “Could the Vikings select another safety in the first round? It might be a worthwhile question if Ohio State’s Caleb Downs is available.”
Cook, 26, represents a potentially monster investment, with Spotrac projecting his market value at nearly $57.5 million over a new four-year contract. But he’s also one of the best safeties in the game, ranked sixth overall out of 99 qualifying players at the position in 2025 by Pro Football Focus.
