Minnesota Vikings Pick Up Fifth Year Options on Harrison Smith and Matt Kalil

Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman has announced that the team will pick up the fifth year option on Harrison Smith and Matt Kalil.

Under the latest Collective Bargaining Agreement, first round picks are eligible for a fifth year option but the decision needs to be made after the third season. Both Kalil and Smith were drafted by the Vikings in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

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Kalil was selected fourth overall by the Vikings in that draft, and had a strong rookie campaign. He suffered a knee injury prior to the 2014 season causing a decrease in production. During his time with the Vikings, Kalil has started every game since his rookie season and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2012.

Smith has been a bright spot in the Vikings secondary over the last couple of years. Since being selected 29th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft, Smith has 255 tackles, four sacks, and 10 interceptions. Smith missed eight games in 2013 due to an injury. He will continue to look to lead a young group of Vikings in the secondary including rookie Trae Waynes.

Minnesota will open training camp in July, and will open their preseason with the Hall of Fame Game against Pittsburgh on August 9.