Za'Darius Smith joined the Minnesota Vikings in free agency, leaving the division rival Green Bay Packers in the dust after losing a key piece of their defense. But the star defensive end also left the Baltimore Ravens whiffing, too, as he reneged on their four-year, $35 million deal just a day after agreeing to it.
According to Andrew Kramer of the Star Tribune, Smith said that he wanted to find a team that had a coaching staff he was familiar with. He found one in Minnesota, leading to his swift exit from the Ravens.
“Love Baltimore, want to thank Baltimore for giving me the opportunity, but things didn't work out,” Smith said. “In my heart, I just wanted to be somewhere I knew the coaching staff. Didn't have to go that far, three hours down the road [from Green Bay].”
Smith missed all but two games of the 2021 season due to back surgery. In the two previous seasons, he was a Pro Bowler and recorded 60 quarterback hits, 26 sacks and five forced fumbles across both seasons. He now joins a Vikings defense that could use a star edge rusher.
With Minnesota focusing heavily on offense by hiring former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell, landing Smith is a very big addition. He joins Jordan Hicks and Harrison Philips as the other key additions to the Vikings' defense.
The Ravens pivoted quickly after losing Smith, signing defensive tackle Michael Pierce.
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