The Cleveland Browns re-signed defensive end Za'Darius Smith to an undisclosed deal on Monday, according to sources. Coming off his third Pro Bowl season in 2022 in his only year with the Minnesota Vikings, Smith disappointed in 2023 in his first season in Cleveland, recording 27 tackles (18 solo), 5.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, 20 QB hits and a forced fumble in 16 starts. Despite his lack of on-field production, the 31-year-old pass-rusher rated out well and started every game in which he was active. Smith will be playing in his age-32 season in 2024, and although he might not be able to secure double-digit sacks at this point in his career, he should remain a strong contributor on Cleveland's defensive line across from All-Pro Myles Garrett.
In his first year with the Cleveland Browns, pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith, who is the presumed starting left defensive end in 2023, has looked the part in organized team activities this week and seemed to be engaged and involved with his teammates throughout practices. The 30-year-old was acquired from the Minnesota Vikings this offseason and will be moving from a 3-4 defense in Minnesota to a 4-3 in Cleveland this year. He bounced back in 2022 to provide 44 tackles (32 solo), 10 sacks and a career-high five passes defensed. If Smith can stay healthy in 2023, he'll provide a big boost to the Browns' pass rush alongside Myles Garrett, and he should also be useful in IDP fantasy leagues.
The Cleveland Browns likely view pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith as their starting left defensive end heading into the 2023 season. Myles Garrett has played around 80 percent of the team's defensive snaps over the last four seasons, but Ogbonnia Okoronkwo is 250 pounds and isn't an every-down player at defensive end. Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire are also big enough to play inside in pass-down packages. Smith, 30, had 8.5 sacks in the first seven weeks in 2022 with the Minnesota Vikings but just 1.5 the rest of the way. He dealt with a knee injury from November on and continued to play through it, but his production fell off. If he can stay healthy this year in Cleveland, he could put up big numbers for fantasy managers in IDP leagues.
The Vikings traded linebacker Za'Darius Smith to the Browns on Friday. The 30-year-old appeared in 16 games for the Vikings last season, totaling 44 tackles and 10 sacks. However, he requested a trade a few months ago, with his tenure in Minnesota now ending after just one season. Smith is set to hit free agency next offseason. But for now, he joins Myles Garrett to comprise a potent pass-rushing attack for the 2023-24 campaign.
Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith has informed the team that he wants to be released, according to a source. However, the Vikings have no plans to do that and the situation remains unresolved. It's possible that the team will look to trade him this offseason. Smith will count $15.4 million against the 2023 salary cap if he sticks around, but the Vikings would save $12.1 million against the cap if they were to release him. The 30-year-old bounced back in a big way in 2022 in his first year in Minnesota after playing just one game in 2021 due to an injury. In 16 starts with the Vikes, he had 44 tackles (32 solo), 10 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, 24 QB hits, five passes defensed and a forced fumble.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Za'Darius Smith (knee) is listed as questionable for the Week 11 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. It sounds like the 30-year-old is going to be a game-time decision for this contest. He has been limited to individual workouts this week, which puts his status up in the air. Smith leads the league in pressures and tackles for loss heading into this game. His absence would be a significant loss for this defensive unit. Third-year linebacker D.J. Wonnum would likely be asked to step up and start if Smith is unable to go.
Free-agent linebacker Za'Darius Smith agreed to a three-year deal with a base value of $42 million with the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday, according to a source. The deal is worth up to a total of $47 million in incentives with a $14 million average per year. Smith appeared to be headed to the Baltimore Ravens, but he backed out and will now stay in the NFC North after spending the last three seasons with the Green Bay Packers, where he made two Pro Bowls. The 29-year-old had a combined 26 sacks in 2019 and 2020, but he played in only one game in 2021 due to injury. If Smith stays healthy and bounces back, he could once again be interesting in IDP leagues. He'll be hoping to improve Minnesota's pass rush next to Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen.
Former Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith visited with the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, according to sources. Smith's original deal with the Baltimore Ravens fell apart, so he's back on the open market and could end up staying in the NFC North. The 29-year-old pass-rusher originally agreed to a four-year, $35 million deal with Baltimore before he backed out. Smith would give the Vikings a capable pass-rusher next to Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen in Minnesota. He was a Pro Bowler in both 2019 and 2020 for the Packers with a combined 26 sacks before he played in just one game due to injury last season. If fully healthy, Smith could be a game-changer for a Vikings D that has really struggled in recent seasons.
Outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith will not be signing a contract with the Baltimore Ravens. It was reported earlier this week that the 29-year-old had landed a four-year, $35 million deal with the Ravens, but that deal has apparently fallen through. Smith was a member of the Green Bay Packers for each of the last three seasons. He missed the bulk of the 2021 season due to injuries and the Packers released him earlier this week. He's shown the ability to be an elite pass rusher. He compiled a total of 26 sacks over 32 games from 2019 to 2020. We'll see if he lands a new deal with the Ravens or if he winds up elsewhere.
Linebacker Za'Darius Smith agreed to a four-year, $35 million deal with the Ravens. He has the potential to earn up to $50 million over the life of the contract, and it's a generous payday for a player who played just one game in 2021 because of a back injury. The 29-year-old was recently released by Green Bay, and he will now return to Baltimore, the city he played in during his first four seasons in the league. With the move, the team will get some much-needed help on the defensive end, although it's only a small step toward making the Ravens defense relevant from a fantasy standpoint.
