Vikings $64 Million Star Dubbed Among Team’s Most Likely Cap Casualties
The Minnesota Vikings roster remains one in transition and major changes are likely this offseason.
Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department on January 16 compiled a list of three players on each NFL roster most likely to end up free agents in the coming months due to salary cap concerns. At No. 3 on the Vikings’ list of potential cap casualties is six-time Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith.
Smith has been an installation of the Vikings guard starting around 2012. In 2023, he was still a good 17-game starter, but Smith, who will turn 35 in February, has admitted that he has considered retiring.
The Vikings may look to acquire younger and cheaper players at the position even if Smith decides to continue playing. To continue playing for Minnesota, an agreement rebuilding might be important. Delivering Smith inside and out would save $11.4 million off the compensation cap, while delivering him with a post-June 1 assignment would save $15.3 million.
Likewise on BR’s rundown were reinforcement quarterback Scratch Mullens and protective lineman Dignitary Lowry. The Vikings can save $1.8 million by heading out in different directions from Mullens this offseason, while the group can bank $5 million in cap space by cutting binds with Lowry.
Harrison Smith Gives Voice to Afflictions of 12-Year Vikings Profession
Smith offered fascinating remarks to Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune on January 8 that show his time in the NFL could before long be reaching a conclusion.
“It’s difficult to can play and not want to play,” Smith said. ” Whatever that gives you, I’m making an effort not to be foreboding or anything. At the present time, my shoulder harms.”
Smith has two seasons staying on a four-year, $64 million arrangement that goes through 2026. Remarks like those Smith made to Krammer under about fourteen days prior could influence the choice of the front office on whether to keep Smith, slice him or endeavor to reevaluate his agreement.
Smith has burned through 12 years in proficient football showing up in 176 vocation games, which incorporate 175 beginnings. Throughout that time, Smith has amassed 34 capture attempts, 12 constrained bobbles and 4 guarded scores, per Master Football Reference.
Antoine Winfield Jr., a Buccaneers safety, is a possible replacement for the Vikings’ Harrison Smith. If the Vikings let Smith go, the team will save more than $15 million, which it can use to sign Smith’s replacement and add much-needed reinforcements to the secondary.
Cheap seat Report’s Matt Holder in January 12 pitched first-group All-Master security Antoine Winfield Jr. of the Tampa Inlet Marauders as the top possibility for Smith’s positions.
“During the customary season, [Winfield] logged first class grades from Expert Football Center generally speaking, against the run and as a pass-rusher while just being a couple of focuses short of a tip top imprint in inclusion,” Holder composed. ” He will undoubtedly be at the top of any team’s list when looking for a safety on the open market because the former second-round pick is arguably one of the best players at the position in the league.
Spotrac projects Winfield’s reasonable worth at $92.3 million throughout another five-year contract. If the Bucs do not use the franchise tag to keep him on the roster through 2024, he will officially become a free agent on March 13.
