Harrison Smith Still Undecided as He Stays Away From Vikings Training Camp

His absence is forcing Minnesota to speed up succession plans by testing internal replacements and shifting defensive roles.

Overview

Harrison Smith has not reported to the Vikings' offseason activities or the start of training camp and remains undecided about a 15th season.
The Vikings do not expect a quick decision from Smith and are proceeding with camp preparations while they wait.
Minnesota used spring OTAs and early camp work to test Josh Metellus, Theo Jackson, rookie Jakobe Thomas and even linebackers Eric Wilson and Ivan Pace Jr. in safety roles.
Smith has kept himself in shape and posted productive 2025 numbers with analytics from Pro Football Focus showing he still performed at a high level when targeted.
The team added Jamal Adams this week but reporting indicates that signing is unlikely to change Smith’s calculation and the main impacts will be on leadership and defensive scheme flexibility if he retires.