The Vikings won’t discuss an extension with Harrison Smith until after the season is through, Ben Goessling of ESPN.com (on Twitter) hears. The Vikings feel that there’s no rush to get a new pact done with Smith’s fifth-year option in tact.
The safety, who is under team control for just two more seasons, recently said that he’s not thinking about a contract extension.
“I’m really just focused on playing the best type of football I can. That stuff will work itself out,” Harrison said, according to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. “I’m happy to be here and happy to be a part of the Vikings, but all I’m thinking about right now is playing well in 2015.”
Whether it’s with the Vikings or someone else, Smith is primed to cash in big if his career stays on its current course. Smith totaled a career-best five interceptions in 2014, giving him 10 in three seasons, and earned a spot on Pro Football Focus’ All-Pro team. Since entering the league as the 29th overall pick in 2012, Smith has evolved into one of the NFL’s most effective free safeties — in 2014, he had his best year yet, compiling 92 tackles, five interceptions, and three sacks for the Vikes.