Vikings news: Harrison Smith's return gets candid response from Jordan Love

Minnesota Vikings defensive back Harrison Smith’s return to the NFL for a 15th season has generated significant attention, particularly in the NFC North division. Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love recently expressed his thoughts on Smith’s decision to return to the game. "I thought he was retired. I thought he was. Him coming out of retirement [is] good for him.

That’s cool. We’ll see. We’ll plan for him being out there and adjust whatever the case may be, but yeah he’s a very good player so got a lot of respect for him," Love stated to reporters on Wednesday via ESPN.

Smith had contemplated retiring following the 2025 NFL season, but the allure of the league proved too tempting to resist. Minnesota’s requirement for depth in the secondary likely influenced Smith’s choice to continue his career in the NFL. The Vikings bolstered their secondary by drafting former Miami Hurricanes safety Jakobe Thomas in the third round of the 2026 draft and signing veteran safety Jamal Adams.

Unfortunately, Adams suffered a quadriceps injury that prematurely ended his 2026 season, while Thomas had to sit out due to a back injury throughout the pre-season. Despite these setbacks, Smith remains a dependable veteran who showcased his ability to excel in 2025, recording 10 passes defended, two interceptions, a forced fumble, a sack, and two quarterback hits in 15 games (including 12 starts).

He also holds six career interceptions against Green Bay, with the potential to add to that total when the Vikings face the Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday.