Smith, 27, signed a five-year extension worth up to $51.25 million on Monday morning, according to a league source, which will make him the NFL’s highest-paid safety.
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Multiple outlets reported that the deal is for five years.
“It’s very hard to put into words right now”, Smith said in a video released by the Vikings.
“(I) couldn’t imagine a better place to play, a better organization to be a part of, and I just can’t say enough about how blessed I am to stay here”.
Smith was a monster in 2015, registering 87 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and 2 interceptions.
Smith, selected by the Vikings out of Notre Dame with the 29th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, made the Pro Bowl for the first time last season. He also has four forced fumbles and 12 interceptions, and has started in 52 of the 53 regular season games he’s played in.
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Smith returned one of his interceptions 35 yards for a touchdown against the New York Giants to set the Vikings franchise record with four interception return touchdowns. The Vikings are confident that that upward trajectory will continue and now they get to have him in what is usually considered the prime of a player’s career.
