Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell Makes Harrison Smith Announcement

The Minnesota Vikings added veteran safety Jamal Adams as training camp began, raising questions about the future of longtime defensive back Harrison Smith.

Adams previously worked with Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley during their shared time with the Seattle Seahawks. The move comes as the team evaluates its secondary depth for the 2026 season.

In his most recent campaign with the Las Vegas Raiders, Adams posted a 67.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus across 448 snaps. He recorded 38 solo tackles, seven pressures and one sack while allowing a 98.6 passer rating when targeted and missing 12 tackles.

The signing aligns with Teasley’s evaluation of the roster. Still, it has prompted discussion about whether Smith will return for another year in purple and gold.

Teasley and head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed reporters on July 28 and offered the latest insight on Smith’s status.

O’Connell said he had been in contact with the veteran safety.

“I would just say I spoke to him recently, just like I always do, and we had a great conversation,” O’Connell said. “Nothing has really changed. But there was never an expectation, at least on my end or our end.“I believe that now would be the time we would really dive into that, and we’ll continue to have dialogue with him and keep you guys updated if there were to be anything come about with that.”

Smith, who turns 37 this year, demonstrated he can still contribute at a high level last season. He played 793 snaps and earned a 68.9 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus.

When targeted in coverage, Smith allowed an 81.0 passer rating and surrendered 21 receptions. He also added 42 solo tackles against the run and in space.

Alec Lewis, the Vikings beat writer for The Athletic, weighed in on the Adams addition during the July 27 edition of “The Alec Lewis Show.” He said the new signing does not dictate Smith’s next steps.

“Harrison Smith’s future has no declaration on this signing,” Lewis said. “If you’ve listened to me, if you’ve read my writing, I have continuously said that Harrison remains undecided and is still mulling the idea of returning for a 15th season at 37 years old.”

“We’ve talked in past episodes about why the Vikings would love to have him and why it makes a lot of sense. I would just say Harrison Smith is a sheer competitor. So to hang it up is not going to be easy for him, whether that happens now or whether that happens later.”

The Vikings continue to monitor Smith’s decision as camp progresses. Further updates are expected once more dialogue occurs between the team and the veteran safety.