It seemed as though the Ravens had added another major piece to their defense by reuniting with Za’Darius Smith. However, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that he is in fact not signing with Baltimore (Twitter link). 
It had been announced yesterday that the former Packer was coming back to Baltimore on a four-year, $35MM deal. The news came after Smith, 29, was released by Green Bay in a cost-cutting move. They had been open to keeping him at a reduced cost, but the split seemed to be mutual.
That opened the door to a reunion with Baltimore, where he had spent the first four years of his career and established himself as a productive pass rusher. Between the familiarity with the organization, and the lack of proven veterans at the position for the Ravens, the reported deal made perfect sense. Now, however the former fourth rounder will remain on the open market.
At his media availability announcing the additions of safety Marcus Williams and offensive tackle Morgan Moses, general manager Eric DeCosta didn’t confirm the Smith deal. Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports that the team “felt like they had a verbal agreement” in place with Smith (Twitter link). While he adds that a deal with Baltimore is technically still possible, he states that “it seems unlikely this [situation] is salvageable”.
Smith’s decision comes one day after the edge rusher market changed dramatically. Von Miller, Chandler Jones and Uchenna Nwosu all found new homes in free agency. That, coupled with the recent trades of Khalil Mack and Yannick Ngakoue, should place Smith at the top of the list with respect to the remaining names available.
The Ravens, meanwhile, will now search for a backup plan at the position. With plenty of question marks remaining in their front seven, and limited cap space to work with, they face a much different situation than they did 24 hours ago.
I don’t blame him. He probably thinks he should get more.
Welcome to Minnesota Za’Darius
No … not Minnesota, he wants to be a big leaguer. That’s where dreams go to die.
Not if your name is Kirk Cousins. That guy has fleeced that organization for a whole lot of guaranteed money.
Dreams really do come true.
Might as well just bring back Barr at that point.
Welcome to Baltimore Danielle
Kansas City?
Tampa Tom convinced him to play for league minimum
Za’Darius: “Wait… Von got WHAT???!!!”
Here comes Dallas.
That played out weird
Probably saw the stupid contract Von Miller got and wants to see if anyone else is massively overpaying for aging outside linebackers.
Miller’s actual deal is about the same as Chandler Jones’. Market price is market price.
Just because the Raiders overpaid for a declining aging pass rusher doesn’t mean competent teams should.