Earlier in the week, it was reported that former Green Bay Packers star Za'Darius Smith was signing with the Baltimore Ravens. According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, Smith has changed his mind and is going to remain a free agent.
Plot twist: Former #Packers pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith is not signing his deal with the #Ravens after all, sources say. He remains a free agent.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2022
Packers fans had hoped they would be able to retain Smith. But once news that Aaron Rodgers signed a deal with $200 million, it became clear that Smith, along with other notable free agents, would not be returning to Green Bay. The Ravens swooped in and thought they had a deal in place.
Baltimore's offer to Smith was for four years, worth $35 million. Baltimore was the organization that drafted Smith back in 2015. After posting successful seasons in Baltimore, he left for Green Bay in 2019.
The first two years with the Packers, Smith racked up 26 sacks and earned Pro Bowl honors both seasons. However, he only appeared in one game last season as he suffered a season-ending back injury. Smith then had surgery in October, but reports are that he should be healthy for next season.
With Smith back on the market, he is sure to generate a lot of interest from other suitors in need of an elite pass rusher. Pass rushers have been all the rage this offseason. Khalil Mack was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers. Randy Gregory spurned the Cowboys for the Denver Broncos. The Raiders joined the act, signing Chandler Jones. They also dealt their own elite pass rusher, Yannick Ngakoue, to the Indianapolis Colts.
The Ravens will not be back to the drawing board looking for some edge help defensively.
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