6 most exciting Vikings moves of the 2022 offseason
By Adam Carlson
3. Signing Za’Darius Smith in free agency
Being happy that a former Packers player signed with the Minnesota Vikings is rough, but when that player is as talented as Za’Darius Smith and fills a need the way he does, it’s okay to be excited about his arrival.
The Vikings are struggling badly to keep talent on the field at the edge. Between Danielle Hunter’s health, the weird trades involving Yannick Ngakoue, and a lack of depth and production recently left a big hole to fill.
Smith may be coming off an injury, but he and Hunter have the potential to be one of the best pass rush duos in the NFL. Having high-motor players rush the edge in a 4-3 makes things easier on the secondary and allows the inside linebackers to do their job.
Getting a three-year deal for Smith locks him in place even though the future of Danielle Hunter will be up in the air after this season. For the upcoming season, it will be interesting to see how effective Smith will be in his first year wearing purple and gold.