Vikings GM addresses concerning situation involving Pro Bowler
The Minnesota Vikings are continuing to navigate one of the off-season’s biggest questions: will Za’Darius Smith play another snap for the purple and gold? Smith requested his release from the team earlier this offseason, but he does have two years remaining on the three-year deal he signed last offseason. When asked about Smith’s current situation, […]
The Minnesota Vikings are continuing to navigate one of the off-season’s biggest questions: will Za’Darius Smith play another snap for the purple and gold?
Smith requested his release from the team earlier this offseason, but he does have two years remaining on the three-year deal he signed last offseason.
When asked about Smith’s current situation, Vikings GM Kwesi-Adofo-Mensah gave a concise response.
“Conversations are ongoing, and we try to be solutions-oriented,” Adofo-Mensah said, via Jeff Wald of KMSP.
Smith was a key part of the Vikings pass rush in 2022 registering 10 sacks on the season. The three-time Pro Bowler also totaled 44 tackles, 15 TFLs, 24 QB hits and forced fumble in 16 games.
The Vikings do have a way out of Smith’s contract if the team can’t convince him to play out his current deal. According to Spotrac, Minnesota would save just over $7 million by releasing Smith, who carries a hefty $15.49 million cap hit into 2023.
Without any real progress to report, Smith’s situation continues to be one to monitor as the draft is right around the corner. Perhaps a trade scenario could appear for the Vikings, so that the team can receive some form of a return on their investment.
