The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms with former Packers edge rusher/linebacker Za'Darius Smith.
Outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith #55 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after a sack during the 1st quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the San Francisco 49ersat Lambeau Field on January 22, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.The Minnesota Vikings appear to have made a move in free agency that could make their defensive line among the best in the NFL for the 2022 season.
The team announced Tuesday afternoon that they've agreed to terms with edge rusher/outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith. Smith posted to his Instagram story on Monday that was visiting the Vikings at TCO Performance Center in Eagan. According to multiple reports, he’s coming to Minnesota on a three-year deal with a base value of $42 million, and worth up to $47 million. Smith was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2015 and spent four seasons there before joining the Green Bay Packers as a free agent in 2019.
Smith started 32 games for the Packers between the 2019 and 2020 seasons, both Pro Bowl years, and had a combined 26 sacks those two seasons. Smith played just one game last season, missing most of the year after suffering a back injury that required surgery. He played 18 defensive snaps and made one tackle in the 2021 season opener. He did not play again until the NFC Divisional Playoffs, getting one tackle and one sack in 19 defensive snaps.
Smith now becomes teammates with defensive end Danielle Hunter, and the duo should make life miserable for opposing offenses in 2022. Hunter, who received an $18 million roster bonus on Sunday, became the fastest player in NFL history to at least 50 career sacks in his first five seasons. He missed the 2020 season after having neck surgery, and played just seven games last season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Report: Za'Darius Smith to Join Vikings After Backing Out of Ravens DealFormer Packers edge rusher Za'Darius Smith reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings.
Read more »
Reports: Red Sox Sign Colorado Rockies SS Trevor Story To Play 2BThe Red Sox have reportedly agreed to terms with Rockies All-Star shortstop Trevor Story on a six-year, $140 million contract that would bring him to Boston to play second base.
Read more »
‘Trump caucus’ to be held in Pa. before GOP primary — if the ex-president picks a favoriteFormer President Donald Trump has not endorsed in Pennsylvania's Senate or gubernatorial primaries, and that has everyone on edge.
Read more »
Amanda Bynes Conservatorship Terminated After Nearly 9 YearsThe former child star's parents expressed their support for ending her conservatorship after they agreed she made great strides in recent years.
Read more »
Amanda Bynes' conservatorship is expected to end following judge's tentative rulingThe former child star's parents expressed their support for ending her conservatorship after they agreed she made great strides in recent years.
Read more »
San Francisco Chinatown Camera Store Targeted in Brazen RobberySome businesses in San Francisco’s Chinatown are on edge after a brazen robbery.
Read more »