Eric Berry’s franchise tag notwithstanding, Harrison Smith just became the highest-paid safety in the NFL.
That might feel odd to some, since Smith doesn’t have the same name recognition as superstar safeties Berry, Earl Thomas, Jairus Byrd and Tyrann Mathieu. But the underrated Minnesota Vikings defensive back might actually be well worth the five-year, $51.25 million extension he signed Monday.
The 27-year-old is only getting better coming off his first Pro Bowl campaign. He has seven interceptions, 4.5 sacks and 118 tackles in 29 games since the start of 2014, and he’s been graded by Pro Football Focus as the league’s second-best safety in each of the last two seasons.
Smith, who was drafted late in the first round in 2012, is a jack-of-all-trades free safety who can rush the passer, make big plays (nine of his 12 career interceptions have come in the second half; five in the fourth quarter) and cover tight ends and receivers.
He’s quietly been one of the most consistent and productive players in the league since starting 16 games as a rookie, and now the Vikes have taken care of him before what would have been the last year of his rookie deal.
It’s a decision they aren’t likely to regret.
Harrison Smith is one of the 3 best safeties in football. Very wise to lock him up long-term. #Vikings
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) June 6, 2016
