Free agent pass rusher Za’Darius Smith became the third free agent this offseason to reportedly change his mind (J.D. McKissick and Randy Gregory were the other two) about signing a contract when he decided to back out of a 4-year $35 million deal to return the Baltimore Ravens.
The news broke Thursday afternoon shortly after Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta failed to comment on the situation in a press conference, which seemed fishy.
Now, Smith is back on the table for anyone to sign and immediately strengthens a pass rusher market that seemed all but dried up.
Could the KC Chiefs still nab Za’Darius Smith?
Before Smith apparently signed with Baltimore, everyone and their mother had Za’Darius Smith as someone the Kansas City Chiefs would heavily pursue. On the opening day of free agency, Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network reported that the Kansas City Chiefs were expected to go hard after Smith once they made a decision with Frank Clark, who has since had his contract reworked to free up cap space for the team.
With Smith back on the market, could the Chiefs pivot back to the Green Bay Packers Pro Bowler? He shouldn’t cost all that much despite rumors he may want more money. His first reported deal with the Ravens was for around $8 million per year but the Chiefs could easily offer a little more to get something done but it depends just how much they want him.
Smith also poses a little bit of a risk since he is 29 and coming off a season where he played one game before being out for the year with back surgery. However, the talent is undeniable. He had double-digit sacks in his other two season with the Packers and was one of the most ferocious threats off the edge in 2019 and 2020 with 108 total tackles, 29 TFL, and 60 QB hits in his time as a Packer.
At this point in free agency, Smith may be worth the risk for the Chiefs who are desperate for pass rush and not many impact players still available. Otherwise, we may be hoping the team nails the draft or finds a trade candidate.