3 Cleveland Browns trade targets from Minnesota Vikings

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Dec 9, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) celebrates a sack during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Browns trade target No. 2: Harrison Smith, S

Harrison Smith has been an excellent safety for the Minnesota Vikings for 10 seasons now. He was selected 29th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame and since then has recorded 861 tackles. 29 interceptions, 16.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, and has four career defensive touchdowns.

Smith is also a six-time Pro Bowler who is arguably one of the top safeties in the entire NFL. The problem is, he’s going to be 33 this coming season and set to count $13.4 million against the salary cap in 2022.

For what he brings to the table, that’s not too much money but for a franchise that could be looking at reshaping their entire roster, it could be too much for them. If that’s the case, Cleveland could see what deals they could make with their former front office exec.

Of course, they might want to re-work his deal, but Andrew Berry has already proven he can navigate a salary cap with no problem.

As for Smith’s fit with the team, they currently have John Johnson III and Grant Delpit which means one of them will move to the No. 3 safety role. However, in Joe Woods’ scheme, this is still a de-facto starter — as seen by how often Ronnie Harrison was on the field.

Smith would essentially replace Harrison, which would be a huge win for the Browns.

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