The Minnesota Vikings have a choice to make when it comes to the discontented Za’Darius Smith.
Last year around this time, pass rusher Za’Darius Smith was a name thrown around again and again in Chiefs Kingdom. Multiple reporters linked the Chiefs with Smith as general manager Brett Veach looked for significant help to bolster the team’s edge rushing capabilities. In fact, some reporters noted the Chiefs’ definite interest and it felt like a move was coming.
Then came actual free agency and the narrative turned sharply. At first, after being released by the Green Bay Packers, Smith visited the Baltimore Ravens instead of K.C. and quickly agreed to terms on a new four-year deal worth up to $50 million. Then one day later, he wiggled out of that deal to become a free agent again.
The second time around, the Chiefs were brought up again in rumors, but instead he took his first and only visit with the Minnesota Vikings. There, he landed a contract worth even more per year, at least at its maximum, in the form of a three-year, $42 million deal.
Except now here’s where we are.
#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
Just like that, Smith is frustrated again and he’s ready to leave to be with his third team in three years, not to mention the 12 hours or so he was unofficially with the Ravens. At this point, an unsettling picture is emerging of a player who is rather fickle about where he wants to be, and teams have to wonder what good it is to sign a player like this to a multi-year deal if there’s going to be drama so soon after signing.
At this point, Smith is reportedly wanting out of Minnesota but the Vikings have all of the leverage—at least inasmuch as they can stomach having a divisive presence on the roster. If they want to play hardball, they can and will win—but at what cost?
If Smith does want out, it would be another interesting idea to potentially bring him on board with the Chiefs. The team is still searching for another pass rusher to work in tandem with George Karlaftis, and Smith made his third Pro Bowl in four seasons last year as he had 10 sacks for Minnesota. That production, however, should command some bigger money but his recent employment history might hinder his buying power.
After last offseason and the way things worked out, it’s hard to imagine Chiefs Kingdom getting riled up for Smith once again as a potential signing. Instead, it’s likely going to be a case of “seeing is believing” for anyone chasing Smith in 2023.