Overview
- Smith agreed to rejoin the Vikings on Saturday on a one-year contract reported at $12.25 million with up to $16.25 million in playoff-linked incentives.
- The move was prompted by a safety-room crisis after Jamal Adams suffered a season-ending preseason knee/quadriceps injury and other depth issues in camp.
- Smith missed spring workouts and all of training camp while contemplating retirement but is expected to begin practicing with the team and could be available for Week 1 against Green Bay.
- Head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores pushed for the reunion because Smith already knows Flores’s system and can direct the secondary on game day.
- A six-time Pro Bowler with 39 career interceptions, Smith brings leadership that should stabilize younger safeties but his exact role and snap count will be managed as he ramps up late.