Za’Darius is a Viking
Za’Darius Smith will be a Minnesota Viking.
The Kwesi era finally gets its first huge addition. Smith has the capacity to work alongside Danielle Hunter to form one of the league’s most intimating edge rusher pairs. In fact, this is something that we covered on Purple PTSD earlier today, noting that they’d have the capacity to instantly revitalize the pass rush.
Soon, we’ll get the firmer details for the deal. I suspect it’s a little back loaded. Doing so will allow the team to fit a more modest hit under this season’s cap. The team may also look to adjust Danielle Hunter’s deal to free up some more room.
As it stands, it’s a 3-year deal that averages out to $14 million per season. If Smith is even close to what he has been, it’s a number that is more than worth it.
The last time Hunter had a healthy season, he put together 14.5 sacks. The last time Smith had a healthy season, he put together 12.5 sacks. The Vikings will very gladly take that kind of production.
Stay tuned. We’ll have more on this story as details emerge.
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