Pro Bowl Linebacker Leaves Packers, Signs With Minnesota Vikings

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings announced Tuesday that the club has agreed to terms on a three-year contract with Za'Darius Smith, a veteran outside linebacker who spent the past three seasons with the Green Bay Packers.

Smith's three-year deal has a base value of 42 million but is worth up to 47 million with incentives included, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.

Smith, 29, made the Pro Bowl in both of his first two seasons with the Packers. However, in 2021, he played just 18 snaps during the 2021 season due to a back injury.

Smith played college football at the University of Kentucky, and he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2015. He has 44.5 career sacks in 91 career games, plus eight forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 53 tackles for loss, and seven passes defended.

In signing with the Vikings, Smith rejoins forces with Minnesota linebackers coach Mike Smith and assistant head coach Mike Pettine, who both spent time in Green Bay while Smith was with the Packers.