Vikings S Harrison Smith speaks for first time on returning in 2024

The Minnesota Vikings agreed with safety Harrison Smith on a modified contract that keeps him in Minnesota for the 2024 season. After that is a major question mark for many reasons, but we can deal with that after the season concludes.

The likely scenario for the Vikings and Smith is parting ways, as his contract is set up perfectly for him to retire. That outcome is something that has been hinted at for a couple of years, which isn't a surprise considering that Smith is nearing the age of 40.

The first question for Smith was all about his decision to return and he opened up for the first time.

"I don't know if there was necessarily a main reason by itself (for returning). I think it's a lot of factors. Number one thing is continuing to try to win here and that's why I play the game. I love to compete. People outside of here aren't expecting as much of us as we do of ourselves. I think we have the makings of some good things here and continuing to be a part of that.

"I really enjoy playing for KO (head coach Kevin O'Connell), the Wilf's run a top shelf organization. Between KO, Kwesi (Adofo-Mensah), learning under Flores has been awesome. Learned a lot of things last year that I was never really introduced to throughout my career, which is pretty cool. It's a lot of things."

The biggest thing with Smith's media availability is that he feels excited to be back with the Vikings this season. It makes a difference to have a top notch organization, which Minnesota has.