After his contract with the Baltimore Ravens fell through, pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith is staying in the NFC North after signing with the Minnesota Vikings.
It was bad enough for Green Bay Packers fans when they star Za’Darius Smith had agreed to a deal with the Baltimore Ravens, but now things have somehow gotten worse. That’s because Smith is staying in the division after all.
After things fell through with Baltimore, Smith is now headed to the Vikings. According to Tom Pelissero, Smith and Minnesota have agreed to a three-year deal worth $42 million.
Za’Darius Smith is getting a big contract from the Minnesota Vikings
Smith had been receiving plenty of attention in free agency and this is no question a strong move by the Vikings. Not only are they adding a beast for the trenches, but the fact that they’re stealing Smith away from the Packers only make things better.
Now starting next season, Smith will look to get some revenge on his former team, which will of course include putting heavy pressure on Aaron Rodgers whenever the two teams face off down the line.
Smith missed the majority of the 2021 campaign due to his back injury, but he’s a dominant force when healthy. He was a Pro Bowler in 2019 and 2020 after posting 13.5 sacks and 12.5 sacks, respectively. Smith had high expectations for last season, but his season was cut way short due to his injury. It was a bummer to see.
Now, though, Smith is ready to ball out and put on a show once again. This time, he’ll be doing so for the Vikings instead of the Packers. It will take some getting used to for people in Green Bay, but the Minnesota faithful couldn’t be more excited for this signing.