Vikings Safety Harrison Smith in Line for Big Pay Day: Free safety Harrison Smith may not be a Pro Bowler in 2014, but that doesnt mean the Minnesota Vikings shouldnt pay him like one. Minnesota selected Smith 29th overall during the 2012 NFL draft with the expectation that he could help improve a Vikings pass defense that ranked 26th overall the previous season. The former Notre Dame standout made an instant impact as a rookie, recording 69 tackles, 11 pass defenses, three interceptions and two defensive touchdowns. However, an injury-riddled sophomore campaign spoiled a potential breakout season and raised concerns about his long-term durability. With his toe injury seemingly behind him, Smith has quickly become a critical member of a vastly improved, eighth-ranked Vikings pass defense this season. In addition to his success in coverage this season, the third-year free safety has become a force both in run defense and as a pass-rusher. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Smith is tied for first in sacks (3), tied for third in interceptions (5) and is tied for second in defensive touchdowns (1) among safeties in 2014. He is the only player in the NFL this season who has recorded at least three sacks, three interceptions and a defensive touchdown. Smiths dynamic skill set and rare playmaking ability has put him in the same conversation with those regarded as the best safeties in the NFL. According to Pro Football Focus, only San Diegos Eric Weddle and Detroits Glover Quin have performed better at the safety position than Smith this season. Included in the names ranked below him are Pro Bowlers Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor, Tashaun Gipson and T.J. Ward. He may not have the track record of highly-regarded safeties such as Thomas or Weddle, but Smith has certainly proven he plays a comparable role in his teams success. Naturally, he should be rewarded with a comparable contract. Smith, who signed a four-year, $7.14 million rookie contract with the Vikings back in 2012, will make slightly more than $1.38 million this season. While 2016 would be the earliest Smith could become an unrestricted free agent—assuming Minnesota decides not to exercise its fifth-year option—he is eligible for a contract extension following this season. As noted by Chris Tomasson of the Saint Paul Pioneer Press, the Vikings have elected to extend deserving players before their contract expires in the past. Assuming Minnesota holds him in the same regard as it does tight end Kyle Rudolph or guard Brandon Fusco, Smith should receive a massive contract extension this offseason. The table above shows the contracts of just a few of the top safeties in the NFL who have previously received a contract extension. While it is unlikely the Vikings would be willing to make Smith the highest paid safety in football, it wouldnt be surprising to see them spend big on the anchor of their secondary. It is also worth noting that New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty and Gipson will both be free agents this offseason. As a result, the contracts they sign could greatly influence the value of a potential Smith extension. Assuming the inevitable McCourty and Gipson contracts dont alter the current market value for a premier safety too much, it should be expected for Smith to sign a contract extension comparable to the one Weddle signed back in 2011 or the one Chancellor more recently signed in 2013. Expect the Vikings to enter contract negotiations with Smith this offseason, as the Pro Bowl-snubbed safety has already expressed a desire to remain in Minnesota long-term, according to Tomasson: I love it here, Smith told the Pioneer Press. Ive always felt like its a great organization, great fans, great community to be a part of. Great coaches. Great ownership. So Im proud to be a Viking and intent on getting this team to build and get up there to compete with championships. Smith has earned a big pay day, and it is time for the Vikings to reward him with one. Contract information courtesy of Overthecap. Statistics courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference unless otherwise noted. For more Vikings news, analysis and discussion, follow me on Twitter @RobertReidell Read more NFL news on BleacherReport #Football #NFL #NFCNorth #MinnesotaVikings
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 13:37:18 +0000
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