After a tumultuous free agency period, Za’Darius Smith is back in the NFC North.
The Minnesota Vikings and Edge Rusher have agreed terms on a three-year contract with a base value of $ 42 million, worth up to $ 47 million in incentives, the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero on Tuesday reported, according to sources informed about the deal. The Vikings later officially announced the move.
After being released by the Green Bay Packers, Smith initially agreed to a four-year, $ 35 million deal (worth a maximum of $ 50 million) to return to Baltimore. But after the deal, Smith signed the contract and decided not to sign with the Ravens.
The decision to avoid its $ 8.75 million a year pact in Baltimore came after Von Miller ($ 20 million a year in Buffalo) and Chandler Jones ($ 17 million a year in Las Vegas) signed new contracts. agreed.
Okay-doke gave Smith a bigger payday shot. The average of $ 14 million a year is what Randy Gregory signed this offseason in Denver. The deal also allowed the 29-year-old another shot at a free agency in three seasons.
When healthy, Smith is an athletic demon on the edge. In his first two seasons at Green Bay, he generated 26 sacks and made back-to-back Pro Bowls. A back injury has pulled him back to just 17 regular-season snaps in 2021.
It’s a boom-or-bust signing for the Vikings, who desperately needed a talent infusion in defense this offseason. Pairing Smith with Danielle Hunter gives Minnesota two dynamic Rand Rusher who can win one-on-one. Of course, the biggest issue for both is health.
By staying at NFC North, Smith will face his former Packers club twice a year.
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