Terence Newman Says He Thinks He Will Retire After 2018 Season with Vikings

After deciding to return for a 16th NFL season, Terence Newman made it clear that he believes the 2018 campaign will be his farewell tour. 

The 39-year-old defensive back re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings on Monday. One day later, he revealed that he plans to hang up his cleats at the end of the season.

"I think this will be my last year no matter what happens," Newman said, per Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press. "After 15 years, I've soaked as much as I can in. It's been a heck of a ride. I understand when it's time for me. I'm not going to put an onus on doing anything special."   

Playing one more season gives Newman a chance to try to go out on top. Minnesota reached the NFC Championship Game last season with backup quarterback Case Keenum under center, and this offseason, it added coveted free agent Kirk Cousins.

Newman—who will be 40 when the season kicks off—may not be the Pro Bowler he once was, but he still provides Mike Zimmer and Co. quality snaps. In 2017, he recorded 35 combined tackles, one interception and five passes defended.

And of course, there's his veteran presence.

"Terence would be an example of a guy now," Vikings safety Harrison Smith said, per Minnesota reporter Eric Smith. "He’s a peer, but he’s also been there, done that. He shows us things every week."

Since being drafted with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2003 NFL draft, Newman has played for three teams over 15 seasons. He spent the first nine years of his career with the Dallas Cowboys, the next three with the Cincinnati Bengals (including two with Zimmer as the defensive coordinator) and the past three with the Vikings.

Now, Newman has one last shot at the elusive Super Bowl ring.