Ever since being drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, safety Harrison Smith has been among the best at his position. And today the Vikings rewarded him for his hard work.
On Sunday, the Vikings signed Smith to a four-year, $64 million contract with over $26 million guaranteed. The deal makes Smith the highest-paid safety in NFL history. Based on his production, it’s not like he hasn’t earned it.
Smith has made the Pro Bowl in five of the last six seasons. He excels at tackling, coverage, getting after the quarterback and being a ball hawk.
Last year, Smith had 89 tackles, five QB hits, 10 passes defended, five interceptions and 0.5 sacks. Not bad for a player at 31 years of age.
NFL analysts and Minnesota Vikings fans all agree that Smith deserves this reward for what he’s accomplished:
The #Vikings and safety Harrison Smith have agreed on a 4-year, $64M extension, per @mikegolicjr
Smith: 92.0 PFF Grade since 2017 (1st among safeties) pic.twitter.com/x73YIE4iny
— PFF (@PFF) August 29, 2021
If there is one guy who deserve it, it’s Harrison Smith. Most underrated player ever! 💰 pic.twitter.com/GOOArujmaR
— Skol Vikes (@SkolBros) August 29, 2021
The @Vikings signed Harrison Smith to a 4Yr/$64M extension.
Smith has EASILY been one of the most impactful, consistent DBs in the game for the last decade.
Posted this video on @Everything_DB back in November. Follow that page for more like it. pic.twitter.com/sjnaynnFQ0
— Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) August 29, 2021
More #Vikings news, this time of the positive variety: Harrison Smith has signed a four-year extension that keeps him in Minnesota through 2025. One of the game’s best safeties could end playing his entire career with the Vikings. https://t.co/SRY7djC1mw
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 29, 2021
Over the past nine seasons Harrison Smith has been an impact player all over the field for the Minnesota Vikings.
Smith has played in 130 games and has 747 tackles, 39 tackles for loss, 31 QB hits, 28 interceptions, four pick-sixes, 66 passes defended, seven forced fumbles and 13.5 sacks.
He grades out well among safeties in almost every category, consistently ranking among the elite.
With his contract extension, Smith is likely going to finish his NFL career with the Vikings now.
Who in the NFL is most likely to get the next big contract extension for a safety?
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