TheMinnesota Vikingsarereleasing Harrison Smith, but the team's run with the six-time Pro Bowl safety might not be over.
Though the Vikings officially designated Smith as a post-June 1 cut on March 11, the move is solely procedural. The team would still welcome the 37-year-old back if he decides to continue playing, according to multiple reports.
By parting ways with Smith, the Vikings save $1.3 million against the salary cap, which helped them get compliant by Wednesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline.
Smith has spent his entire decorated 14-year career with the Vikings. He's the NFL's leader among active players in career interceptions with 39.
Advertisement
NFL free agency tracker:Latest news, rumors, trade buzz on Wednesday
The potential for Smith's retirement was acknowledged in the season finale, when the safety received an ovation from the home crowd upon being subbed out in the closing minutes.
Losing Smith would mark yet another offseason shift for a Vikings defense that already released defensive linemen Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen. Edge rusher Jonathan Greenard's name also surfaced in trade talks.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Harrison Smith released by Vikings as safety weighs NFL future