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(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

The Minnesota Vikings used the 2026 NFL Draft to bolster their defense, and one of their picks was former Miami Hurricanes star Jakobe Thomas. Moreover, Thomas wants to make a big impact right out of the gate.

Harrison Smith’s future with the Vikings remains uncertain as he’s taking his time deciding whether he wants to put his body through another NFL season. Nonetheless, Thomas appears hopeful that Smith will play in the upcoming 2026 campaign.

On May 8, Thomas spoke with the media and said he’s been in contact with Smith and hopes the veteran can serve as a mentor.

“We’ve had a little bit of contact recently,” Thomas said (h/t VikingzFanPage). “We talked a little bit, you know, ready to meet him in person again and just connect with him and soak up as much as I can from him.

Last season with the Hurricanes, Thomas posted an 84.2 overall PFF defensive grade. Moreover, when delving into his grade, the rookie was more impactful in the passing game than in the running game.

Thomas’ PFF coverage grade was 88.5, while his run-defense grade was 62.1. As for the numerical stats. He recorded four interceptions, broke up 4 passes in coverage, allowed a 59.1 passer rating when targeted by opposing quarterbacks. Moreover, Thomas also contributed 43 solo tackles in run support and open-field situations.

Minnesota Needs to Act Like Harrison Smith Isn’t Returning

Like Thomas, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores probably wants Smith back for another season, given that the veteran showed he still has plenty of football left in the tank.

Amid this uncertainty, former Vikings linebacker Ben Leber stated that the team needs to operate during OTAs and mandatory minicamps in the coming weeks.

“I mean, it’s nothing personal; I don’t think the team needs to be held hostage over [Smith’s] status,” Leber said during a May 4 appearance on KFAN. “They have to proceed as if he’s not going to be there, and then it’s just an extra bonus if he does show up, whenever that may be… Selfishly, he would want to come back right before the start of Week 1.

“If he’s thinking about his checkbook and his pocketbook, then he would say, ‘Yeah, I want to come back Week 1, be on the opening-day roster, veteran salary fully guaranteed.’ Now, the team might look at it and say, ‘We’ll bring you back Week 2. That way, we don’t have to guarantee your contract.'”

Vikings Not Pressuring Harrison Smith to Make Decision

The 37-year-old earned a 68.9 overall PFF defensive grade for the 2025 season. He recorded two interceptions on the season and broke up three passes in coverage.

Furthermore, the Vikings veteran allowed an 81.0 passer rating when targeted by opposing quarterbacks, while surrendering 21 receptions in coverage, and contributing 42 solo tackles in run support and open-field situations.

Despite this defensive output and the leadership he brings, the Vikings aren’t putting any pressure on Smith to return, even though he would be a valuable asset to a team looking to push for the playoffs. It will be interesting to see if the veteran safety has the itch to return and whether he can end his career with a Super Bowl.