Za'Darius Smith Signs Reported $42M Vikings Contract After Ravens Deal Falls Through

Za&Darius Smith signed a three-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings.

Za'Darius Smith @zadariussmith

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The deal has an average base salary of 14 million per year with up to $47 million in incentives, according to Ian Rapoport.

Smith backed out of a four-year, $35 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens. After Von Miller and Chandler Jones received significant deals, the veteran expressed second thoughts.

Miller signed a six-year, $120 million deal with the Buffalo Bills, while Jones signed a three-year, $51 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Smith was selected by the Ravens in the fourth round. He joined the Packers in 2019. In 33 regular-season games with the Green and Gold, the 29-year-old recorded 26 sacks, five forced turnovers, two fumble recoveries and108 tackles.

Smith was cut by Green Bay on March 14. He missed all but one regular-season game last season because of back surgery.

Smith was one of the top pass-rushers on the market.

While Smith will improve the Vikings defense, the Packers will stick with their main outside linebacker after giving him a four-year, $52.5 million extension.

Smith met with the Vikings in Minnesota on March 21 and his decision to sign with the team should come as no surprise.

If Smith and Hunter stay healthy, the Vikings will have one of the best pass-rushing duos in the league. The defensive group will be rounded out by Eric and Jordan.