Vikings Trading Pro Bowl LB Za’Darius Smith to Browns, per Report

The three-time Pro Bowler is reportedly headed to Cleveland.

The Vikings have reportedly agreed to trade pass rusher Za’Darius Smith to the Browns, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.

Smith will earn a guaranteed $11.75 million in the 2023 season after his contract was restructured. He will then become a free agent in March ’24. 

The news of Smith’s trade does not come as a surprise.

In March, the 30-year-old informed Minnesota that he wanted to be released from the NFC North team. However, at the time, the Vikings had no intent to release him, per Rapoport. In addition to his desire to play elsewhere, Smith tweeted an apparent goodbye message to Minnesota fans, thanking them for their support during his lone season with the franchise.

“I just want to say “Thank you!” to Skol Nation for an amazing season & experience! Thank you to all of my Teammates, Coaches & the entire Minnesota Vikings Organization! 💜,” Smith tweeted in March.

The full trade, per league source:#Browns get:
Za'Darius Smith
2025 6th-round pick
2025 7th-roundpick#Vikings get:
2024 5th-round pick
2025 5th-round pick https://t.co/outlkV71ME

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 12, 2023

Smith joined Minnesota on a three-year, $42 million deal ahead of the 2022 season after spending three years in Green Bay. Last season, Smith registered 44 tackles, 24 quarterback hits, 10 sacks and one forced fumble.