Report: Minnesota Vikings won't talk Harrison Smith extension until 2016
The Minnesota Vikings are tabling discussions for a Harrison Smith contract extension until the 2016 offseason, according to ESPN's Ben Goessling. Smith, a first-round pick in 2012 (29th overall), had his fifth-year option picked up by the Vikings in May.
#Vikings won't talk about an extension with Harrison Smith until after the year, I'm told. No rush with fifth-year option already intact.
— Ben Goessling (@GoesslingESPN) July 22, 2015
Smith's current deal pays $1,363,437 in 2015 and $5.278 million in 2016, now that the team has picked up his option.
Although he's still waiting for his first Pro Bowl bid, Smith is quickly establishing himself as one of the best safeties in the NFL. Last season, he started all 16 games, recorded five interceptions, three sacks and one forced fumble. Through three seasons, Smith has picked off a total of 10 passes and returned three of them for touchdowns.
If Smith continues this upward trend, he could be en route to a big payday in the form of a longterm deal.
(h/t Twitter)
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