Za'Darius Smith Fantasy

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.

Mar. 9th • 10:37 PM

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.

Nov. 19th • 12:38 PM

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.

Mar. 22nd • 3:01 PM