Former six-time Pro Bowler safety Harrison Smith hints at retirement after his emotional post-game conference after the loss against the Los Angeles Rams. According to reports, the veteran icon will take some time away from football to think about his future playing in the league. Originally selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, the former Notre Dame product spent his entirety with the Minnesota Vikings, recording 37 interceptions, 20.5 sacks, eight fumble recoveries and 1,028 total tackles. Smith doesn’t want to think about what the future looks like but it’s understandable considering the Vikings had the momentum heading into the postseason in their hands under quarterback Sam Darnold.
This leaves Smith to think about whether it’s worth going another couple of seasons in the league. Smith was Minnesota’s best PFF grade, helping the team be a part of the NFC title game after the Minnesota Miracle in 2017. The veteran said the 2024 campaign was the best one in his career despite the circumstances of not competing in the Super Bowl. The Vikings have several free agents this March, including Smith but if this was his last season, he will go down as one of the best safeties of all time next to Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed. However, the veteran should probably have a few more runs before he hangs up his cleats.
If he stays in the league, he should receive some type of market in free agency. Two contender teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens should be the rosters that finally help him reach a Super Bowl ring in his hand.
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Veteran #Vikings S Harrison Smith says he will take some time to “chill out” before making a decision on his future moving forward, he told @KFAN1003
“I haven’t wanted to think about it, kinda selfishly just live in the moment. I’m kinda still in that moment.… pic.twitter.com/Wym9WXrzyl
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) January 16, 2025
“Chill Out” NFL Icon Harrison Smith Hints at Retirement – Ravens, Chiefs May Bring Him for One More Ride
Salvaging Baltimore’s Secondary
The Baltimore Ravens have all the answers on offense not to look back at all since signing Derrick Henry to boost the momentum to its fullest. However, the defense has yet to replicate the energy that quarterback Lamar Jackson is putting in each matchup. The pass defense hasn’t been the most explosive in stopping the aerial attacks and shootouts which could be a reason for losing any of their games this past 2024 campaign. While they could blame losing several key free agents such as Geno Stone and Patrick Queen, the pass-rushing unit did what they could do to adjust to life after Jadeveon Clowney.
Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo are still adjusting to rotating starting duties but Roquan Smith and Kyle Van Noy have been able to hold up the end of their bargain. Cornerback Brandon Stephens has been a disappointment to help rookie Nate Wiggins in his first full-time start in the league. Veteran Marlon Humphrey has always been explosive but he might need veteran help if they’re ever thinking about a Super Bowl. Ar’Darius Washington has done phenomenal but they could Smith as the backup to use him in a situational role on third-down stops.
Is Justin Reid Leaving?
Meanwhile, there has been a lot of speculation about what the future holds for the roster. The Chiefs don’t have a lot of salary cap to work with this offseason so they will embrace losing several young stars, including Justin Reid. The secondary has been somewhat still the same since the L’Jarius Sneed but that was thanks to the emergence of Trent McDuffie. However, the team still brought back cornerback Steven Nelson which is a clear sign they’ll be looking for secondary help.
Since Reid might leave this upcoming offseason for a big-time contract, this may force the Chiefs to sign a few veterans while they rebuild their defense. Smith could be the perfect man in this situation since the roster is still capable of winning another Super Bowl beyond 2025.
The post “Chill Out” NFL Icon Hints at Retirement – Ravens, Chiefs May Bring Him for One More Ride appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.