Harrison Smith will more than likely retire with the Vikings after agreeing to restructure his contract ahead of next season.

The 35-year-old safety is by far the longest tenured player on the roster and provides irreplaceable leadership on the defensive side of the ball. That will be especially important for the Vikings with the recent departures of edge rusher Danielle Hunter and linebacker Jordan Hicks to free agency.

There was a thought that Smith might consider retirement at some point before next season. Asked about the possibility of retirement immediately following the final game of last season, Smith noted, “It’s hard to have the ability to play and not have a desire.”

If his performance last season under defensive coordinator Brian Flores proved anything, it’s that Smith certainly still has the ability be impactful. Maybe then it probably shouldn’t come as a surprise that Smith also has the desire to continue playing for the Vikings.

This is the second straight year that Smith has agreed to take a pay cut to remain with the Vikings. He reportedly will make $9 million next season. That’s roughly the same amount he made last season after taking a pay cut.

Originally selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame, Smith has played 176 games in his career with the Vikings. He has been a stalwart in the secondary, recording 1,039 tackles, 19.5 sacks, 34 interceptions, 86 passes defended and 12 forced fumbles, among a handful of other impressive stats.

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