Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith got an extension that almost sets a benchmark for the position.
Smith signed a five-year, $51.25 million that includes a $10 million signing bonus and $15.27 million fully guaranteed, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. At an average of more than $10 million per year, Smith becomes the second highest-paid safety in the league, trailing only the Kansas City Chiefs' Eric Berry, who got a one-year franchise tender at $10.8 million.
On the surface it sounds like a hefty price for Smith, but it could turn out to be a bargain. Safety is a tough position to find players as dependable, smart and versatile as Smith is, and he's playing a key role in Mike Zimmer's scheme. Facing three gun-slinging quarterbacks in the NFC North makes Smith a valuable commodity, either as a back-half coverage player or one who can defend the run up in the box or match up with receiving backs and tight ends.
With Berry, Tyrann Mathieu and a few other young safeties due to get big deals, Smith's $10 million per average and his relatively modest guaranteed money might pale in comparison, especially as the salary cap continues to soar at a rate of $10 million (or more) per year.
For Smith, he might be giving up a little money in the long run. But he always has said he wants to remain with the Vikings, and like the Jacksonville Jaguars signing wide receiver Allen Hurns to a big deal well ahead of his free agency, Smith can get that short-term security and still hit free agency again in his relative (albeit late) prime at age 33.
The Vikings are building something special, and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater's rookie deal is allowing the Vikings some nice cap flexibility. Plus, with big-money players such as Adrian Peterson and Matt Kalil whose current deals could be altered dramatically in the next year or two, the Vikings are in excellent shape, thanks to the stewardship of general manager Rick Spielman and the front office.
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