Back in March, outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith asked to be released in a tweet. The Minnesota Vikings didn’t respond publically, instead keeping him and even let $5 million in guarantees vest. They finally traded Smith to the Cleveland Browns, but they weren’t the only option.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, there were two other suitors for Smith, but he found the opportunity to play opposite of Myles Garrett “appealing.”
When you consider the contract restructure that was done, it remains to be seen whether or not this was the best deal for the Vikings, but they got compensation in return for a player that wasn’t going to play for them next year.