Veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith is not going to reunite with the Baltimore Ravens. Smith had agreed to terms Wednesday on a four-year, $35 million contract but hadn’t officially signed the deal. Then Thursday, he ultimately decided to remain a free agent, according to league sources.
Za’Darius Smith doesn’t sign with Ravens will remain a free agent
The blockbuster deals signed by pass rushers Von Miller (six years, $120 million) with the Buffalo Bills and Chandler Jones (three years, $51 million) with the Las Vegas Raiders are believed to be an influence on this situation.
Smith is expected to have a strong market for his services. He began his career in Baltimore before signing a four-year, $66 million deal with the Green Bay Packers. He had a career-high 13.5 sacks in his first season with the Packers and followed that up with 12.5 sacks in 2020. Injuries limited him to just one game last season before he was released.