Vikings, Za'Darius Smith agree to 3-year deal worth reported $42M

The Minnesota Vikings and two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Za'Darius Smith agreed to a three-year contract, the team announced Tuesday.

The deal is worth $42 million and carries a maximum value of $47 million, a source told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. It keeps Smith in the NFC North following his release from the Green Bay Packers.

Smith anchored an effective pass rush during his three seasons with the Packers, who cut him to get under the salary cap. Smith had 26 sacks over his first two seasons with the team before a back injury cost him nearly all of the 2021 campaign - he returned in the playoffs and had a sack against the San Francisco 49ers.

The Vikings will add the 29-year-old to a pass rush that already features Danielle Hunter. Hunter has been one of the NFL's top sack artists when healthy, though injuries have limited him to seven games over the past two seasons. Minnesota picked up Hunter's $18-million roster bonus Sunday, all but cementing his return in 2022.

Smith previously appeared to have a deal in place with the Baltimore Ravens but backed out of the agreement to remain a free agent. He was reportedly set to ink a four-year, $35-million pact to return to Baltimore, where he began his career.