The Green Bay Packers have an off-season full of questions ahead of them. From quarterback to safety, to tight end, and possibly even wide receiver. However, it would appear that one of their rivals will have an off-season full of questions as well. The Minnesota Vikings have already released one long-tenured all-pro who has been an anchor on their defense in LB Eric Kendricks. Now they are on the verge of releasing a second one.
Minnesota Vikings Set To Release All-Pro Harrison Smith
Per Tyler Forness of Yahoo Sports:
The Minnesota Vikings are at things fast and furious to try and get under the salary cap, they are still exploring multiple options. According to SKOR North’s Darren Wolfson, it is getting more likely that the Vikings will release Harrison Smith.
“At noon central time on Friday afternoon, signs point to the Vikings releasing Harrison Smith.”
This will be an interesting story to monitor. Smith is still a really good player and his playing style of being a riverboat gambler is one that defensive coordinator Brian Flores could maximize.
If the Vikings were to release Smith, they would incur a dead cap hit of $11,747,648 and save $7,379,999 on the salary cap. If they were to designate him as a post-June 1st cut, Smith would only count $3,915,882 on the salary cap this season and save $15,211,765.
If they choose to not make Smith a post-June 1st cut, that would signal a focus on 2024. This will be a situation to watch.
It would appear the Green Bay Packers rival is cleaning house. Eric Kendricks and Za’Darius Smith have either been released, or asked to be released from the team. Now Harrison Smith could be the next Vikings player to leave the team. Harrison Smith has been a thorn in the Green Bay Packers side since 2012. The 34-year-old safety has spent his entire NFL career in Minnesota. He has been named first-team All-Pro (2017), second-team All-Pro (2018), 6× Pro Bowler (2015–2019, 2021), and PFWA All-Rookie Team (2012). Here are his career stats:
| Total tackles: | 946 |
|---|---|
| Sacks: | 16.5 |
| Interceptions: | 34 |
| Pass deflections: | 83 |
| Forced fumbles: | 9 |
| Fumbles recovery: | 8 |
| Defensive touchdowns: | 4 |
If the Minnesota Vikings do in-fact move on from Harrison Smith, the Green Bay Packers surely won’t miss him.
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