There won't be a reunion between Za'Darius Smith and the Baltimore Ravens.
According to a source, Smith decided not to sign a four-year, $35 million deal with Baltimore. Smith becomes a free agent and the Ravens continue to search for a pass-rusher.
This is the third time in this free-agent period that a player has changed his mind on an agreement. Randy Gregory and J.D. McKissic were both involved in deals this week. The Dallas Cowboys traded Gregory to the Denver Broncos and the Buffalo Bills traded McKissic to the Washington Commanders.
Smith was drafted in the fourth round in Baltimore, and it looked like he was going to return to the city. According to a source, the Ravens believed they had reached a verbal agreement on a deal that averaged $8.25 million per season, which seemed like a great value for a two-time Pro Bowl player.
A source said Smith expressed second thoughts after the Bills and Von Miller had their big-money deals announced. The sides couldn't agree on a new deal, according to a source. Smith and Baltimore are not expected to resume talks.
Questions about Smith's deal began Thursday morning because the Ravens hadn't announced it. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta was evasive when asked why the team hadn't acknowledged Smith's deal.
The Ravens did not waste time for their next meeting. The team announced that they had a three-year deal with nose tackle Michael Pierce.
A three-year starter for the Ravens, Pierce started last season for the Minnesota Vikings. Brandon Williams is a free agent.
Smith was cut by the Packers on Monday. He was one of the top pass-rushers in the league in the last two years.
Smith had back surgery and missed the last 16 games of the season. The San Francisco 49ers defeated him in the playoffs.
The Ravens will look to add another veteran pass-rusher. Baltimore's experienced edge rushers -- Odafe Oweh, Tyus Bowser and Jaylon Ferguson -- have a combined 27 career sacks. The Ravens have not had a player reach double digits in sacks in over a year.
Jadeveon Clowney, Jerry Hughes, Melvin Ingram, and Jason Pierre-Paul are some of the top pass-rushers. Houston recorded 4.5 sacks for the Ravens last season. Hunter could be available in a trade.
Smith didn't sign the deal, according to the first report.
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