Vikings bringing back star safety Harrison Smith

The Minnesota Vikings are bringing back a fan favorite. 

ESPN's Ian Rapoport reports that hard-hitting veteran safety and former Vikings team captain Harrison Smith will be returning to the team on a one-year deal worth $12.25 million. It'll be his 15th season in the NFL, all with Minnesota. The Vikings confirmed the signing Saturday evening. 

The 37-year-old, drafted by the Vikings in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, has six Pro Bowl appearances and has made the All-Pro team. He's played 207 games with 203 starts, the third most in team history. 

Rapoport says the deal has a max value of $16.25 million with playoff incentives. 

The reported signing brings some stability to the position that has seen several injuries during training camp and the preseason, including 27-year-old Theo Jackson.