Kevin O’Connell Is Still Talking To Harrison Smith, And A Season-Ending Injury Just Turned Up The Heat

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell is still in regular contact with long-time safety Harrison Smith, who remains an unsigned free agent. This ongoing dialogue between the two has intensified speculation about a potential reunion, especially after Jamal Adams went down with a season-ending torn quadriceps tendon during the preseason opener.

The Weekly Dialogues Just Got Real

Seriously, O’Connell isn’t just sending Smith a text once a month. He told reporters on Wednesday that he’s been having “weekly, you know, dialogues and discussions” with Smith, covering “a lot of different topics.” It’s clear there’s a real relationship there, and it sounds like more than just a friendly chat. O’Connell even confirmed, “I’ve talked to him this week,” and they’re digging into “where he’s at, and what he’s thinking.” This isn’t just pleasantries when a coach says they’re discussing a player’s mindset. It screams “we’re still considering this.” O’Connell promised updates if there’s anything to report, which, come on, means they’re actively monitoring the situation.

One Brutal Injury Blew The Door Wide Open

The whole vibe shifted when Jamal Adams suffered that season-ending torn quadriceps tendon. That’s a brutal blow, especially happening in the preseason opener. Suddenly, a team with a hole at safety is looking at a familiar face. Smith, a first-round pick back in 2012, has spent his entire 14-year career in Minnesota. Think about that: a decade and a half with one franchise! The idea of him coming back for a fifteenth year? It’s not just locker room chatter anymore, it’s a real possibility, and the source says the Vikings “seem to be more than willing.” This isn’t about some new guy learning the system; this is about bringing back a proven veteran who knows the team inside and out, right when they need him most.

Right now, O’Connell’s immediate priority is getting the roster down to 53 spots and sorting out the 16 practice squad spots. But don’t sleep on this Smith situation. The ball is clearly in Smith’s court. It sounds like the Vikings have made their interest known, and now, it “may all come down to what Smith decides to do.” The waiting game is on, and everyone’s watching to see if a familiar face is about to make a dramatic return.

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Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.