The Vikings announced this afternoon that they have picked up the fifth-year options for both of their 2012 first-round draft picks, left tackle Matt Kalil and safety Harrison Smith.
The options, which can only be applied to first-round picks, keep both players under team control through 2016. The options are only guaranteed for major injury, though, so hypothetically, if one or both struggles on the field, the Vikings could just cut them after the 2015 season with no penalty.
Kalil’s option for 2016 is for $11.1 million because he plays offensive tackle and because he was picked in the top 10 selections in 2012.