Before either of them got to Minnesota though, there was the reclamation project named Za’Darius Smith. Following three seasons in Green Bay, the final of which he played in just one game due to injury, Smith wanted a crack at his former employer.

After a successful season with the Vikings, Smith wanted a trade and has spent the last three seasons elsewhere. Now he has called it a career.

Za’Darius Smith abruptly quits the NFL

This offseason Za’Darius Smith signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was coming off a 2024 in which he spent time with both Cleveland and Detroit. Just five games into the season with Philadelphia, he’s now walking away from the game.

Breaking: Three-time pro-bowl DE Za’Darius Smith announced he is retiring from the NFL after 11 seasons. pic.twitter.com/TabaQ0BsCc

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) October 13, 2025

I knew this day would come — but now that it’s here, I’m feeling so many emotions I never expected.

Who would’ve thought that a kid from Greenville, AL, with just one year of high school football experience, would go on to play professional football in the NFL for 11 incredible years!

This game has given me the opportunity to meet great coaches, compete alongside some of the best players ever, and represent some of the greatest organizations in the league. Football has transformed my life and my family’s lives forever — and for that, I’m forever grateful.

This career has taken me across the world — from earning my first passport stamp to visit countries I only saw on maps, to helping me start a foundation that gives back to my community. There have been challenges along the way, but the rewards have outweighed them all and helped me learn, grow, and evolve as a man.

“…For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required…” – Luke 12:48

And to the fans — the biggest thank you of all.
To every fan from each organization I represented: thank you, thank you, thank you for everything! From wearing my jerseys, collecting my cards, sending letters, sharing your opinions (good and tough ones alike), and most importantly — showing love. I felt it all.

As I step into the newest season of my life, please know this game has meant the world to me. The lessons learned on and off the field will stay with me forever.

Love,
Z

Za’Darius Smith

Smith announced the news on Instagram, and it comes just weeks into the season. Although Smith has dealt with injuries over the course of his career, that doesn’t seem to be the case here. He played on Thursday night in the Eagles loss to New York.

Across five games this season, Smith has 1.5 sacks and ten tackles. He finished last season with nine sacks. The Minnesota Vikings will face the Eagles on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium coming out of their bye. Now they’ll do so with one less defensive talent on the opposing sideline.

There are some serious questions on the defensive side of the ball. The cornerback position looks more thin than it ever has. That may wind up being a problem for defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

If he’s going to counteract that it will come in the form of an imposing pass rush. That unit has never been better, and a former flameout wouldn’t have been a consideration amongst this group.

Za’Darius Smith lands job with Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys kicked off the 2025 regular season. Jalen Carter gave us the spit heard round the world while being disqualified before even seeing a snap. Now he’ll be joined by a new rusher off the edge.

Three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Za’Darius Smith is signing with the #Eagles on a one-year deal, sources tell me and @RapSheet.

Smith has 69 career sacks, including nine last season. Now he joins the defending champs on a deal negotiated by @ErikBurkhardt of ROC Nation. pic.twitter.com/yNkWtPmgCk

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 5, 2025

After an injury-marred season with Green Bay, Za’Darius Smith signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022. He played just a single game in 2021, but was available for 16 games while wearing purple.

His 10 sacks in 2022 were just the third time in eight seasons he had surpassed double-digit totals. He forced his way out of Minnesota only to join the Cleveland Browns and be less effective (5.5 sacks). After being traded again last season, this time to the Detroit Lions, Smith was made aware how little teams wanted to put up with him.

Unsigned through the offseason after being released in March, Smith finally found a home on Friday. The Philadelphia Eagles decided to bring him in on a one-year deal.

Related: NFL Network Host Drunk on Purple Kool-Aid and Vikings Nostalgia

The Eagles won 24-20 at home against the Dallas Cowboys to open the NFL schedule on Thursday. They looked outmatched though, and the defense didn’t record a single sack. Maybe that would have been better if Jalen Smith remained active, but the unit as a whole was laughable.

Now with a week to practice, Philadelphia will hope they can get him up to speed in shot order.

And yet again, the most important game so far on the Vikings schedule… which is something we’ve said a lot during this gauntlet of a stretch to start their 2024 season. But let’s jump across party lines for a moment, and focus on the Detroit Lions.

Detroit Lions shopping for EDGE rushers after Aidan Hutchinson injury

Last year’s NFC North champs enter Sunday’s matchup vs the Vikings, with a lot on their plate. They just got done absolutely crushing the Dallas Cowboys last week, out of their bye. Unfortunately, they also lost superstar EDGE rusher Aidan Hutchinson for the season, after he suffered an ugly leg injury during the blowout 47-9 win in Big D.

At just 24-years-old, Hutchinson is already one of the best EDGE rushers in the NFL. Matt wrote about how much the Lions rely on the former Michigan game-wrecker, during his statistical preview of Sunday’s game.

It’s possible that no defense in the NFL has relied more on a singular defensive lineman all season, than the Lions have Aidan Hutchinson. Through 4 games (prior to his injury last week), Hutchinson had accounted for pretty much half of all Detroit’s QB pressure stats, according to Pro-Football-Reference.com.

That has led to all sorts of speculation regarding who the Lions might be targeting before the NFL Trade Deadline next month. Among the names that have emerged from league circles is former Minnesota Vikings (and Packer) pass rusher, Za’Darius Smith, who played one full season here back in 2022, after three seasons in Green Bay.

Za’Darius Smith would love to get revenge on Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers

Right now, Smith is six games through his second season with the Cleveland Browns. Let’s just say… things are not going well. The Browns are 1-5 and on the verge of hitting the sell button, in order to position themselves in the best possible spot for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Related: Is Ty Chandler About to Lose His RB2 Spot for the Minnesota Vikings?

If/when that happens, a well-traveled Za’Darius Smith will be one of the first to go. That’s why he and the Lions make so much sense. Would the former Viking/Packer welcome a trade back into the NFC North? Even while playing on another team, Smith couldn’t help but embrace the idea of going back and getting revenge on two of his former squads.

But the idea of joining a Super Bowl contender like the Lions, who lost in the NFC Championship Game last year and are 4-1, intrigued Smith.

“Hate that injury happened to him, a guy that was on his way to get Defensive Player of the Year possibly,” he said of Hutchinson. “That’s a big loss for them.

“But if I was to go to Detroit, I would like it, because I get to play Green Bay twice a year and the Vikings twice a year. So, yeah, that’ll be big.”

BrownsZone.com

Does Za’Darius Smith to the Detroit Lions make sense?

I mean, this trade almost makes too much sense to ignore. So much so that Za’Darius can’t even keep his mouth shut. This interview also shows how bad things are right now, in Cleveland. Guys are openly giving interviews discussing where they might be traded before the deadline…

How much of a boost would Smith give the Detroit Lions, with Hutchinson out? The 31-year-old would likely be better on a good team, as a more featured player in the pass rush scheme, vs playing second-fiddle to Miles Garrett with the Browns.

Related: Final Minnesota Vikings Injury Report: Who’s In and Who’s Out vs Lions?

After collecting 5.5 sacks, 27 tackles and 20 QB hits in 2023, he’s got 3 sacks, 16 tackles, and just 3 QB hits in 2024. If the Lions want to get their hands on a proven veteran pass rusher, who won’t cost them an early round draft pick, Za’Darius Smith makes a lot of sense. But he won’t be Aidan Hutchinson, I can promise you that.

The #Vikings are trading three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Za’Darius Smith to the #Browns, sources tell me and @RapSheet.

His reworked contract guarantees him $11.75 million in 2023 and he’ll be a FA next March. All negotiated by his new agent @ErikBurkhardt of @RocNationSports. pic.twitter.com/Iftx3m6BNr

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 12, 2023

Za’Darius Smith’s time in Minnesota

Za’Darius Smith, on the opposite side of Danielle Hunter, was supposed to give the Vikings one of the best EDGE rushing combinations in the NFL. While effective at times, they never became the dominant duo we had hoped for.

Smith started the season hot but fell off during the final 8 games. He ended up recorded 10 sacks as a Viking. He reworked his contract as part of the trade and will make $11.75 million for the Browns next season.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Vikings want to convince Za’Darius Smith to stay

The Vikings hope to work out a new deal that appeases Hunter. But according to Darren Wolfson (SKOR North, KSTP), they don’t want to stop there. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and new defensive coordinator, Brian Flores, want their other 2022-23 EDGE rusher to return next season as well.

“Za’Darius… they want him. They do. Brian Flores wants Za’ Darius Smith. That has been vocalized to Za’Darius Smith. And so, I’m not ready to say the Vikings are going to outright release Za’Darius or even trade him. Maybe eventually… but I’m not ready to say it.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

Problem: Smith wants out and Vikings are broke

The snag with Z. Smith, of course, comes from reports earlier this offseason that he isn’t all that interested in returning to Minnesota next season. How will the Vikings convince Za’Darius to change his mind? It’s unlikely to come via a pay raise. According to Alec Lewis (The Athletic), it’s more likely they try getting him to take a pay cut. Good luck with that.

If Smith is not traded, the Vikings have two likely options. The first is to pursue a possible contract adjustment. The second is to release Smith, absorbing dead money in the present for future cap savings. Neither option would be great for either side, but such are the circumstances with a complex contract situation.

Alec Lewis -The Athletic

Whether they are able to make Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith happy or they are forced to look elsewhere, the Vikings have to get right at outside linebacker this offseason. The 2023-24 offense should be high powered, whether Dalvin Cook returns or not.

But without competent pass rushers on the other side of the ball, the Minnesota Vikings might give up 60 points per game, given the weaknesses they have in the 2nd and 3rd levels. Even Kirko Chainz, in a souped up offense, isn’t making the playoffs when up against that week-in and week-out.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Danielle Hunter wants a new contract

Of course, this isn’t the first offseason that Hunter has threatened to hold out for a new contract. But this time around, the 28-year-old pass rusher wants a new deal because his current contract calls for just $5 million in base salary this season.

And according to Darren Wolfson (SKOR North, KSTP) on the Mackey & Judd Podcast Thursday, it sounds like Hunter will get the new deal he is coveting. In the same breath, Doogie reiterates that Dalvin Cook is as good as gone. He declares Za’Darius Smith as a wildcard.

“I still think the Vikings end up ultimately giving Danielle some sort of raise. I see Danielle Hunter here in 2023. I continue to not see Dalvin Cook here in 2023. Za’Darius [Smith], I would say that’s the one where there is some uncertainty. I think the Vikings would love to find a way to have Za’Darius on this roster in 2023 so I think there are still some things to figure out on that front. But I do think Dalvin ends up elsewhere, I think Danielle Hunter is here.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey and Judd

New deal would make sense for Minnesota Vikings too

Even though Hunter is set to make just $5 million in cash this season, his current contract calls for him to count $12.3 million against the cap. For that reason, a contract extension makes a lot of sense for both sides.

Danielle still has plenty of really good play left in him and should be a better player under Brian Flores, who has expressed excitement to coach Hunter. A new contract will get him the money he wants, lock in a really good pass rusher for a few seasons and lower his cap number for 2023. Seems like a win all around.

Here is the full episode of Thursday’s Mackey & Judd. Wolfson talks Hunter, Cook and Z. Smith at the 09:35 mark.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Too many outside linebackers…?

But one position, where there might be too many cooks in the kitchen, is at outside or EDGE linebacker. Both starters from last season, Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith, are still on the roster.

On top of those two, the Vikings went out this offseason and signed former Saints pass rusher, Marcus Davenport, to a one-year prove it deal. While it’s possible Kwesi and O’Connell work out a rotation between the three, it’s more likely that one of Hunter or Smith is no longer on the roster, come Training Camp.

Danielle Hunter unlikely to play under current contract

The most logical departure, in that situation, is Smith, given recent reports that he wants to be released. But there are whispers around league circles that the more logical move, for Kwesi & Co, would be to trade Danielle Hunter, who, according to Darren Wolfson (KSTP, SKOR North) is unlikely to play under his current contract, which calls for just $5.5 million in cash for the 2023-24 season.

“I would say that’s another situation worth monitoring, because I have a hard time believing that Danielle Hunter is comfortable playing this year at just over $5 million, compared to what many of his colleagues are making. If you look at comps, go up and down the list of guys that produced like he has produced, those guys are making triple what he is set to make in 2023. So I just have a hard time believing that he’ll just say ‘okay, no problem, I’ll show up when you need me to show up, no issue, whatsoever’. So I would say, to be determined, stay tuned… but that’s definitely a talker as we move forward into spring.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

Za’Darius Smith or Hunter?

If Danielle Hunter wants a new deal, which he will, the Vikings can’t afford to pay him and Za’Darius Smith. And at 28-years-old, Hunter is sure to bring back a haul of draft picks, if dealt to a new team. The 30-year-old Smith, on the other hand, would fetch far less.

Over the weekend, Charley Walters (Pioneer Press) reported there being little interest around the league in Smith, who the Vikings are shopping, but noted that Hunter could be enough for the Vikings to trade up and draft their QB of the future.

Even though they’re still on the roster, it’s clear the Vikings still want to trade Dalvin Cook and Za’Darius Smith, but haven’t received worthwhile offers. It makes no sense to bring Cook back after having signed Alexander Mattison to a two-year deal worth $7 million.

It only makes sense to keep Smith if the Vikings intend to trade Danielle Hunter, who could help the team move up to draft a QB.

Charley Walters – Pioneer Press

General manager, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, is not entertaining trades for Danielle Hunter, at this point, but that doesn’t mean the Vikings haven’t received offers. Wolfson mentioned definite trade interest in Hunter, during his appearance Tuesday on Mackey & Judd (SKOR North).

“My understanding is that there has been trade interest registered [in Danielle Hunter]. I just don’t get the sense that the Vikings are interested in trading him.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

In all likelihood, Kwesi isn’t sure who the Minnesota Vikings’ outside linebackers will be in 2023-24. That’s why Za’Darius Smith is still on the roster. He wants more money and a starting role, which the Vikings are not interested in giving him.

But if Kwesi cannot find a new contract that works for Hunter, and they were to get a trade offer they can’t refuse, then efforts to make Smith happy would certainly heat up.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

#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

Za’Darius Smith Selling Eagan, MN House

Of course, some dominoes fall before others. But a lot of players have already been told their offseason fate or the writing may be on the wall. And that may be the case for Vikings outside linebacker and sack leader, Za’Darius Smith.

How do we know? Well, according to Ben Goessling (Star Tribune) he has posted his Eagan, MN house for sale.

#Vikings edge rusher Za’Darius Smith appears to be preparing to sell his house in Eagan; the property is listed as “coming soon” on the real estate market.

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) February 17, 2023

Of course, this doesn’t guarantee Smith is no longer a Minnesota Viking. But his base salary of $5 million for 2023-24 is set to guarantee one month from now, on March 19. So, if he is staying, it’s awfully odd timing to be moving out of his home in Eagan.

Moving somewhere warm?

Smith’s Instagram story included one photo of he and his family moving into another house. Given the light shirt and shorts his son is wearing, I’d assume they are in a warmer climate than what Minneapolis/St. Paul is currently facing in mid-February.

Za’Darius Smith Contract

Za’Darius Smith’s contract still has two years remaining and his 2023 cap hit is rather reasonable for a top 3-4 EDGE rusher, at $17 million. That cap hit would rank 23rd in the NFL if the season started today.

Still, the Vikings are in pretty desperate need of cap space and they could save $12.5 million by cutting or trading the 32-year-old veteran before March 19.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

One moment, the Vikings were a factor in everyone’s Super Bowl picks and long-time leaders at the top of the NFC North Divisional betting markets, then, one poor game against the Giants and it was all over. That’s when the hindsight experts began talking about how Minnesota’s record was inflated and that they weren’t really as good as 13-4 suggested they were.

So, what is the truth and how should we think of the Vikings team right now? Are they legitimate Super Bowl contenders or just another middling NFC outfit?

Coaching Perspective

Disappointing though the Giants’ loss was, it is worth taking a step back to look at the performance of the head coach and general manager, who were in their first season at the franchise. A record of 13-4, a first Divisional title in six years, and a playoff spot? That reads like a solid first season, and it was.

Of course, for a fanbase that is long overdue a Super Bowl, it isn’t enough for the Vikings to be just better than average, but the coaching regime has to be given its time. They inherited a team that was okay, not great, and they found a way to improve and grind out results.

Minnesota Vikings Defensive Problems

It is astonishing to contemplate the defensive turnaround at the Vikings. Under Mike Zimmer, this was a defense-first franchise, but in the space of one year, Minnesota became one of the poorest defensive teams in the league, across pretty much all categories.

The stats are conclusive. They finished the season with the second-most yards conceded in the NFL. Although they had stars of the quality of Za’Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter in the defense, they lacked consistency in their pass rush and the continual changes in the secondary resulted in an unreliable season-long performance, giving up 209.3 points per game.

The factor that kept the Vikings competitive was that their defense had the ability to find takeaways. They finished the regular season ranked eighth for total takeaways, many of those occurring at just the right time to secure the win. Paradoxically, although the Minnesota defense was the reason why they were involved in so many close games, it was also the reason why they were able to win most of them.

Unfortunately, relying on those in-the-nick-of-time takeaways was ultimately unsustainable, and in the Wild Card game, there were none, resulting in the obvious consequence.

Obviously, there will be changes in the defense, changes that already began with the firing of defensive coordinator Ed Donatell. The secondary and the interior defensive line are the two priorities and a decision has to be made about Patrick Peterson, who will become a free agent this season. With limited room for maneuver, being $8 million over the salary cap, Minnesota will have to make difficult decisions.

Maintaining Offensive Balance

Kirk Cousins is a divisive figure, but the offense was not the problem for Minnesota this season. He did a solid job of utilizing his main weapons in Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, T J Hockenson, and Dalvin Cook and here, the Vikings will have to focus on trying to retain their key stars.

Unfortunately, cap pressure may require some inventive thinking on offense. Thielen’s expected cap hit of $19.9 million makes him a potential trade, especially as center Garrett Bradbury is surely too important to be moved on¾in his absence this season, Cousins was sacked 16 times.

Speaking of Cousins, he remains the biggest hit on the cap. If they were to trade him after June 1, it is possible that they could take as much as $30 million off their cap. But is that worthwhile? Cousins was not the problem during this season, and he is arguably playing some of the best football of his career, having settled into this offensive scheme well. And if the Vikings want to go further in the playoffs, then they have to find a similar or better quarterback, who will not be cheap.

Summary

With pressure to find cap space, the Vikings face a challenging off-season in 2023, but if they make the right moves, particularly on defense, and are able to keep the current offense largely intact, then they are not far away from being a team that can get beyond the Divisional Round next season.