All of The Sudden, Vikings Get Another Shot at Great Pass Rusher

K. Joudry |

Mar 17, 2022

Jan 22, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith (55) celebrates after sacking San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (not pictured) in the first quarter during a NFC Divisional playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

It looked like the deal was going to be with the wrong purple team. Alas, there must have been some sort of issue in the finer details of the contract. Instead of joining the Ravens, Za’Darius Smith has decided to remain on the market.

Za'Darius Smith decided not to take the deal with the Ravens ultimately, per a league source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 17, 2022

The Vikings ought to be supremely interested.

Though older, Smith could instantly make the Vikings’ defense considerably more dangerous. Part of the concern is that he’s coming off a major injury. He missed almost all of the 2021 season due to a back injury that required surgery. The Danielle Hunter situation hasn’t been resolved yet, so one wonders if the leadership is wary about having two well-compensated edge rushers who are coming off major injuries.

As any number of people have pointed out, though, Smith has a connection to current Vikings OLB coach Mike Smith. Plus, the team ought to be plenty familiar with his abilities. He most recently played for the division rival Packers. It’d be great to have him on board to help corral Aaron Rodgers.

The deal he agreed to with Baltimore, at least according to the reports, was for 4 years at $35 million in total. The incentives could have kicked the number to $50 million.

His last full season resulted in 12.5 sacks. The one before that featured 13.5 sacks. The earlier deal suggests that he could be brought aboard for an annual average of somewhere around $10 million.

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