Za’Darius Smith agreed to terms with the Minnesota Vikings, per source.
3 year deal
Base value of 42 million
Worth up to 47 million with incentives
14 million APY— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 22, 2022
Za’Darius Smith is staying in the NFC North and will have a chance to face the Green Bay Packers twice a year for the next several years.
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Smith – who was released by the Packers earlier this month – is signing a three-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings.
Smith, a two-time Pro Bowler for the Packers, was in Minnesota for an official visit on Monday. He agreed to terms on a new deal on Tuesday.
The Packers released Smith to save money on the salary cap. His cap number was going to be almost $28 million in 2022, and the Packers saved almost $15 million by cutting him.
Now, Smith gets his chance at revenge.
In Minnesota, Smith will team with Danielle Hunter to form one of the best edge-rushing duos in football. However, Smith missed all but one game last season after needing back surgery, and Hunter is only two years removed from missing an entire season due to neck surgery.
Smith will also rejoin former Packers assistants Mike Pettine and Mike Smith in Minnesota. The Vikings hired both to serve on Kevin O’Connell’s new staff. Mike Smith is the team’s new pass-rushing coach.
Smith was close to signing with the Baltimore Ravens but backed out of the deal. He appears to be getting more money from the Vikings.
Over the 2019 and 2020 seasons in Green Bay, Smith delivered 26 sacks and 60 quarterback hits.
[listicle id=79005]