Za'Darius Smith Injury Updates | Shark Bites

The Browns have acquired Edge Za'Darius Smith from the Vikings for a mere swap of draft picks. Minnesota has been expected to move on from Smith this offseason to save salary cap. The 30-year-old rebounded from losing nearly all of 2021 to injury, racking up 80 total pressures in his lone Vikings season, according to Pro Football Focus. That marked the second-largest total of his career, and Smith has earned elite-level pass-rushing grades from PFF in each of his last three healthy campaigns. He should play lead snaps opposite Myles Garrett in Cleveland, though free-agent addition Ogbonnia Okoronkwo will factor into the rotation as well.

The Vikings are signing EDGE Marcus Davenport to a one-year, $13 million deal, according to multiple reports. It's a good-sized "prove it" opportunity for the former first-round pick, who managed just a half-sack, 2 tackles for loss and 8 QB hits over 15 appearances with the Saints last season. Davenport topped out at 9 sacks (in 11 games) the year before but clearly disappointed across five years in New Orleans. Injuries played a big role. So we'll see whether he can hit 2023 healthy, stay there, and repay the Vikings for the opportunity. His arrival could signal the departure of EDGE Za'Darius Smith, who recently asked the team to let him pursue trade opportunities.

The Ravens have agreed to a 4-year, $35 million deal with EDGE Za'Darius Smith, according to multiple reports. Smith played his 1st 4 seasons with Baltimore before leaving for Green Bay in free agency. Smith racked up 26 sacks over 2 years with the Packers before missing nearly all of last season with a back injury. He returns to a Baltimore defense that needs the pass-rush help. The money says the Ravens believe Smith will be all the way back, but we'll keep an eye on his status through the offseason.

The Packers have released EDGE Za'Darius Smith. Rashan Gary and Preston Smith should remain Green Bay's primary edge duo after a season that saw Za'Darius Smith barely play because of a nagging back injury that eventually required surgery. Smith -- who will turn 30 in September -- should find plenty of suitors on the open market if he's back to full health, though.

The Packers are placing OLB Za'Darius Smith on IR for the back injury that dogged him throughout the summer and limited his Week 1 playing time. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the team hopes a few weeks of rest will allow Smith to return at full strength, rather than having him manage the back issue throughout the season. Smith's absence will mean more playing time on the edges for Rashan Gary and Jonathan Garvin. Gary -- a 1st-round pick in 2019 -- was already viewed as a potential breakout performer for Green Bay this year, after coming on for 5 sacks in a limited role in 2020. He's worth a look in deeper IDP leagues that favor sack/pressure scoring.

Packers OLB Za'Darius Smith is questionable for Sunday's game against the Saints. He was limited Wednesday and Thursday with his back injury but finished the week sitting out Friday. He's not a good bet or IDP lineups even if he turns up active.