Vikings DC Brian Flores would 'love' Harrison Smith back for 2026

[ASFN Admin]

The amount of turnover on the defensive side of the ball for the Minnesota Vikings has been paramount this offseason, as they have lost three key starters from a season ago. Defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen were released, and safety Harrison Smith had his contract expire and is currently a free agent. While many believed he was headed for retirement, it sounds like Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores thinks otherwise.

When speaking to the media this week, he stated he wants Smith to return for the 2026 season but also applauded their current group.

"Love to have him back, I've told him that many times already. But at the same time, we've got a good group. They're working hard and doing a lot of good things." - Brian Flores on @HarriSmith22pic.twitter.com/CvCE2U4tI8

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) June 9, 2026

"Love to have him back, I've told him that many times already. But at the same time, we've got a good group. They're working hard and doing a lot of good things."

It's worth noting that Flores credited the safety group after saying he wants Harrison Smith to return. This is going to be a younger group in 2026, and likely playing a rookie in a key rotation back there. While he did give credit to the group, could he believe it isn't close to ready for week one? There's a long way to go until then, but Smith's return would be great for the room.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Harrison Smith would be a welcome sight to the Vikings in 2026

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