Hitman or Hype? Harrison Smith’s Return Highlights Vikings Roster Overhaul

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 14: Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on from the sideline during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Harrison Smith is BACK for Year 15, the Vikings roster churned 24 hours after setting the 53, and Aaron Jones vs. Jordan Mason remains unsettled - here's everything you missed on Two Old Bloggers.

The Minnesota Vikings barely let the ink dry on their initial 53-man roster before tearing it apart. Within 24 hours, they added offensive linemen Trevor Keegan and Nick Samac, cut Max Brosmer and Dillon Bell (re-signing both to the practice squad), and then delivered the biggest surprise of the weekend: Harrison Hitman" Smith returning on a one-year deal worth $12.25 million, escalating to $16.25 million with playoff incentives. As Darren Campbell put it: Bringing back Harrison Smith bolsters that depth." With Jamal Adams lost for the year, Theo Jackson battling a leg injury, and both Jakobe and Jacob Thomas nicked up, the safety room was paper-thin. Smith, now 37, remains the NFL's active interceptions leader and is the only player in the secondary besides Josh Metellus who can audible out of coverages late in the play clock.

The Vikings also signed 35-year-old edge rusher Kyle Van Noy to the practice squad - a move both hosts endorsed but questioned in its timing. They got to add a veteran with some track record," Darren argued, noting that Jadeveon Clowney, Von Miller, and other targets had already signed elsewhere while Minnesota waited. On the running back battle, the unofficial depth chart lists Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason as co-starters, but Darren made the case that Jones will open as 1A: The receiving abilities and pass blocking - those are two things that Aaron Jones really has Kevin O'Connell and Wes Phillips' trust." Mason out-rushed Jones by 210 yards last season but caught just 14 passes. The show also covered J.J. McCarthy's uncertain future - his story isn't written yet," per Nolan Teasley - the new GM's refreshingly blunt press conference style, and ESPN's Top 100 snubbing Andrew Van Ginkel and Brian O'Neill. If Brian O'Neill was on the Dallas Cowboys, he'd be All-Pro every year," Darren quipped.

Key Points:

• Harrison Smith returns on a 1-year, $12.25M deal (up to $16.25M with playoffs); Mike Garafolo confirmed he's playing Week 1
• Vikings added OL Trevor Keegan and Nick Samac off waivers; Max Brosmer and Dillon Bell cleared and re-signed to the practice squad
• Kyle Van Noy signed to the practice squad for edge depth; Flores familiarity a plus, but 2025 PFF grades (63.0 overall, 51.8 pass rush) raise concerns
• Aaron Jones likely opens as RB1A over Jordan Mason due to superior pass catching and pass blocking; new wide-zone blocking scheme under Keith Carter and Frank Smith
• J.J. McCarthy could be QB3; his future depends on his development, Kyler Murray's performance, and trade interest
• New GM Nolan Teasley is direct and concise - a sharp contrast to Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's word salad
• ESPN Top 100 included only Justin Jefferson (10th); Andrew Van Ginkel and Brian O'Neill both snubbed

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Football is back, and the Vikings face the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium to open the season. Two Old Bloggers moves to Saturdays starting next week - so if you want deep-dive Vikings analysis with the numbers, the visuals, and the passion, make sure you're subscribed.

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Question for you:

If you were Kevin O'Connell, would you start Aaron Jones or Jordan Mason against the Packers - and how would you split the snaps?