Reunion For Ravens, Za'Darius Smith Reportedly Falls Through
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A reunion between the Baltimore Ravens and outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith is reportedly no longer happening, one day after it was reported the two sides had agreed to a four-year, $35 million contract.
Now, Smith is not signing the deal, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport.
Plot twist: Former #Packers pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith is not signing his deal with the #Ravens after all, sources say. He remains a free agent.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2022
Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports Smith "changed his mind" on the contract, which reportedly was worth up to $50 million with incentives, and "it seems unlikely this is salvageable."
The Ravens felt like they had a deal with free agent OLB Za'Darius Smith yesterday, felt like they had a verbal agreement.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) March 17, 2022
But Smith changed his mind. You never say never, but it seems unlikely this is salvageable.
The Ravens drafted Smith in the 4th round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Kentucky. After four years with the team, highlighted by a 2018 campaign with 8 1/2 sacks and 25 quarterback hits, Smith signed a four-year, $66 million contract with the Green Bay Packers, and went on to have back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons in 2019 and 2020.
He was limited to one game in 2021 after suffering a back injury in Week 1 and undergoing surgery in October, and Green Bay released him in March.