Report: Za’Darius Smith Agrees to Terms With Vikings on Three-Year Deal

He previously backed out of signing a deal with the Ravens.

The Vikings and former Packers outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith have agreed to terms on a three-year deal worth $42 million in base value, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Smith can earn an additional $5 million with incentives. 

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

The Packers released Smith right before the start of free agency with his cap hit set at $27.6 million in 2022. Once free agency began, it was reported that Smith was going to return to the Ravens, the team that drafted him in 2015, but he backed out of the deal. 

Now, he joins Green Bay’s bitter NFC North rival as he looks to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2022 season. The two-time Pro Bowler only appeared in one regular season game due to a back injury he dealt with since training camp. He was activated off the injured reserve list for the team’s playoff loss against the 49ers, but he registered just one tackle.

In his last healthy season, Smith tallied 12.5 sacks and 52 tackles in 2020 when he was named second team All-Pro. This will be his third team in just four years. 

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