The Minnesota Vikings are a team built around two things: a powerful run-based offense and a smothering defense. One of the key pieces of the puzzle on the defensive side of the ball is Harrison Smith.
This offseason, the Vikings rewarded Smith’s great play with a massive contract extension which made him the NFL’s highest paid safety. While this deal made many NFL fans around the world scratch their heads, those who have watched Smith’s play realized just how important it was to ensure the safety stayed with the team.
Recently, Sports Illustrated’s Chris Burke did a ranking of the NFL’s top free safeties and Harrison Smith earned the number 2 position behind only Earl Thomas.