Former Green Bay Packers edge rusher Za’Darius Smith isn’t headed back to Baltimore after all. The veteran pass rusher is no longer signing with the Ravens, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Smith was expected to make his return to the team that drafted him after agreeing to a four-year deal worth $35 million with a maximum value of $50 million. The Ravens drafted Smith in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft but chose not to re-sign Smith after his rookie contract expired.
During the 2019 offseason, Green Bay signed Smith to a four-year, $66 million contract. Smith’s play took off as he became a key member of the Packers’ defense. He totaled 107 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, and 26 sacks in his first two seasons, which led to two Pro Bowls and a second-team All-Pro in 2020.
Unfortunately, a back injury limited Smith to just one game in 2021. This led to his release from Green Bay on top of salary cap limitations.
It is unknown what caused the deal with the Ravens to fall through, but Smith is now a free agent. He is a top edge rusher available and is expected to have a strong market.