OWINGS MILLS Md. There will not be an outside linebacker reunion Za’Darius SmithAnd the Baltimore Ravens, after all.
Smith, the latest NFL player to pull out of an agreement, decided to not sign a $35 million, four-year deal with Baltimore. Smith now becomes an unrestricted free agent. The Ravens are still searching for a pass-rusher.
This marks the third occasion in the free-agent period when a player has changed his minds about an agreement. Outside linebacker Randy GregoryRunning back J.D. McKissicThis week, Gregory also turned on deals. Gregory was the Dallas CowboysTo the Denver BroncosMcKissic, meanwhile, went from the Buffalo BillsTo the Washington Commanders.
Smith appeared to be returning to Baltimore on Wednesday afternoon. He was drafted in Baltimore’s fourth round in 2015. ESPN reported that Smith was returning to Baltimore, where he was drafted in the fourth round in 2015. Two pass-rushers were awarded big-money contracts just hours later. Von Miller(6 years, $120m for an average of 20 million per season) With the Bills Chandler Jones(3 years, $51,000,000 for an average $17 million per year).
Smith’s agreement was not announced by the Ravens, so questions were raised about it Thursday morning. Eric DeCosta, Ravens general manager, was evasive when asked why Smith’s team hadn’t acknowledged Smith’s agreement. He said, “I think over these coming days we will have more to say about other moves that we make.”
Smith, aged 29, was cut by Green Bay PackersAfter three seasons, he retired on Monday. He was one of the NFL’s best pass-rushers in 2019 & 2020, with 26 sacks.
Smith was back-operated and missed 16 regular season games. He returned for the NFC divisional playoff match, which was a loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
The Ravens are now looking to add another veteran pass rusher. Baltimore’s veteran edge rushers Odafe Oweh, Tyus Bowser Jaylon Ferguson– Have a total of 27 career sacks. Since 2004, the Ravens haven’t seen a player hit double digits with sacks. Terrell SuggsIn 2017.
The best pass-rushers in the country are: Jadeveon Clowney, Jerry Hughes, Melvin Ingram Jason Pierre-Paul. Baltimore could also resign Justin HoustonLast season, he had 4.5 sacks. Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle HunterYou might also find it in a trade.
NFL Network was the first to report Smith’s decision not to sign the contract.