Za’Darius Smith Asks for Release; Vikings Refuse

The Minnesota Vikings are all over the offseason NFL news cycle on Thursday. That continued late into the afternoon when (OLB) Za’Darius Smith tweeted out a thank you to the organization, shortly followed by a report from Ian Rapoport (NFL Network) that Smith has asked for his release. The Vikings, however, do not plan on fulfilling Smith’s request.

#Vikings Pro Bowl pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith informed the team that he wants to be released, I’m told. The team has no plans to do that. The situation remains unresolved. https://t.co/1jWfnK36w4

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2023

As I understand it, Smith sold his house in Minnesota earlier this month with the belief he'd be playing elsewhere next season. The #Vikings, though, have no plans to release him as of now.

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) March 9, 2023

Many expected Minnesota to move on from Za’Darius. He fell off during the back-half of last season and his cap hit is expensive. But it’s Smith who sold his house in the Twin Cities suburbs and is now asking for his release. And it’s the Vikings who refuse to move on.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan