Za'Darius Smith agrees to terms with Baltimore Ravens

In the 2015 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens selected Kentucky defensive end Za’Darius Smith in the fourth round. Now the pro will return to the AFC North franchise for his eighth season in the NFL.

On Wednesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the two-time Pro Bowl selection has agreed to terms with Baltimore and will be returning to the organization that gave him his start in the NFL.

Former Packers’ pass rusher Za'Darius Smith is signing a four-year, $35 million deal that has a max value of $50 million with the Baltimore Ravens, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2022

After the Green Bay Packers decided to release Smith on March 14 after three seasons spent in the NFC North, the 29-year-old will now spend his 30s with the Ravens. The four-year deal has an average value of $8.75 million for the veteran and could bump up to $12.5 million if certain incentives are hit.

Smith, of course, was a second-team All-Pro performer for the Packers in 2020 as he recorded 12.5 sacks and 23 QB sacks while performing as one of the league’s best edge rushers from 2019-20. However, the veteran suffered a back injury in 2021 and played in just one game with Green Bay. With Aaron Rodgers getting a payday and edge rusher Preston Smith signing a four-year, $52.5 million extension, Smith appeared to be a cap casualty in free agency.

That loss will hopefully be Baltimore’s gain. In four years with the Ravens, Za’Darius Smith recorded 44.5 sacks and carved out a role as a quality pass rusher in the NFL who can also hold his own in run support. After an injury-riddled year, the Kentucky prospect will look to return to form in 2022 playing for a familiar team.

One year after former teammate Bud Dupree signed a big deal with the Tennessee Titans, Smith was able to ink one with the Baltimore Ravens. Not bad work for a former junior college product who collected 11 sacks in 24 career games at Kentucky.