The Vikings are Trading Za’Darius Smith to the Cleveland Browns
The NFL continues to be the league that never sleeps. Even going out to dinner with the family on a Friday evening in mid-May isn’t safe in these parts. The Minnesota Vikings are trading linebacker Za’Darius Smith to the Cleveland Browns, per multiple reports.
You might recall Za’Darius Smith thanking Vikings fans on Twitter in March after he reportedly requested a release from Minnesota. At the time, the Vikings said they would not honor the request.
Apparently, they’ve reconsidered their stance. Here are the details on the trade, courtesy of Tom Pelissero of NFL Media:
Browns Receive
- Za’Darius Smith
- 2025 6th Round Pick
- 2025 7th Round Pick
Vikings Receive
- 2024 5th Round Pick
- 2025 5th Round Pick
Smith signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Vikings last offseason after spending the previous three years in Green Bay. The Ravens originally drafted Smith, and is heading into his age 31 season.
Za’Darius Smith recorded 10 sacks in 16 games with the Vikings. He signed with the Vikings last season off of a season mostly lost to injury in Green Bay. I imagine Smith is betting his market value will be higher this time after a nice bounce-back campaign.
Smith joins wide receiver Adam Thielen and linebacker Eric Kendricks as notable veteran departures for the Vikings this offseason.
