Vikings open 2026 this week with Harrison Smith set for season 15

The home opener is set for Sept. 13 at 3:25 p.m. CT.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Sep 71 min read

#Vikings football returns this week and Harrison Smith is back for season 15! 📰: https://t.co/bgt8MdzMBG https://t.co/a Via @Vikings on X

What happened: Smith agreed to a one-year, $12.25 million deal on Sept. 5. Playoff incentives can raise its value to $16.25 million.

Why it matters: The timing gives Minnesota eight days to fold the veteran safety into its defense before the opener. The move restores a six-time Pro Bowler to the secondary after an offseason of uncertainty.

By the numbers: Smith has started 203 of 207 career games, a 98.1% rate, while recording 1,180 tackles, 39 interceptions and 21.5 sacks.

What to watch: Smith's Week 1 role and workload will show how quickly Minnesota can use its late addition.

Sources

@Vikings 2026-09-07T14:46:05.833651+00:00

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