Vikings reportedly meeting with top free-agent pass rusher

As they look to improve their defense, the Minnesota Vikings are reportedly meeting with former Green Bay Packers linebacker Za’Darius Smith on Monday.

Over the years, we’ve seen a number of players suit up for both the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers. In the near future, linebacker Za’Darius Smith could potentially be the next to trade in his ugly green and yellow uniform for a beautiful purple and gold jersey.

Smith is currently a free agent, and on Monday, he reportedly traveled to Minnesota to meet with the Vikings about a possible contract according to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero.

Despite Minnesota only having around $1.3 million in cap space currently, they will still be able to reportedly clear enough cap room to present the former Packers linebacker with a “suitable offer” according to the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson.

Will Za’Darius Smith become the latest to leave the Green Bay Packers for the Minnesota Vikings?

Considering the divisional rivalry that they have with Green Bay, it’s always enjoyable whenever the Vikings are able to land a player who used to take the field for the Packers. So if Minnesota is able to sign Smith, it will be that much sweeter since he will no longer be a member of Green Bay’s roster.

Originally, it was believed that the former Packers linebacker was going to sign a contract with the Baltimore Ravens this year. However, that deal fell through, and Smith is back to looking for a new team to play for during the 2022 season.

With Green Bay in 2021, he only appeared in two games (one in the regular season, one in the playoffs) due to a back injury. In his two previous years with the Packers, he accumulated a total of 26 sacks, 60 quarterback hits, and 89 pressures.

If the Vikings think Smith’s back issues are in the past, then he would be a great addition to their defense. With Danielle Hunter still on their roster, Minnesota could open the 2022 season with one of the best pass-rushing duos in the entire NFL.

It will really just come down to how much money Smith is looking to make. If it’s not too much, then him teaming up with Hunter next season seems very realistic.