What does the future have in store for pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith? Wnen you think about potential cap casualties for the Minnesota Vikings this offseason, the veteran outside linebacker most certainly is a candidate. With that said, does Smith feel like some tough news could potentially be on the way?
That could be the case, as Smith is apparently getting ready to sell his home in the area. Because of this, plenty of fans out there think this could be an early sign of him thinking he’s about to get cut sooner than later.
#Vikings edge rusher Za’Darius Smith appears to be preparing to sell his house in Eagan; the property is listed as “coming soon” on the real estate market.
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) February 17, 2023
Will Za’Darius Smith be a cap casualty this offseason?
Smith has a cap hit of nearly $17 million next season. While Smith is a beast getting past offensive linemen, that cap hit sure has fans hoping that the front office decides to part ways with him and invest that kind of money elsewhere.
This past season for the Vikes, Smith posted 44 total tackles and an impressive 10 sacks. The production is there, but the price could be too high for Minnesota to keep him around. Who knows, perhaps the Vikings restructure his deal to keep him in town, but a full on release isn’t out of the question either.
More Vikings news:
• As you’ve probably seen across the league, teams are starting to re-sign players before they become an exclusive rights free agent. This was the case with offensive tackle Blake Brandel, who will be back with the team next season on his new deal. Brandel has been with Minnesota for two seasons. In 2022, the lineman appeared in nine games, starting two.
• Elsewhere, wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette won’t be with the Vikings to start the new season. It was announced that the Kansas City Chiefs signed the speedster to a futures deal. The 6-1, 185-pounder suited up for Minnesota in 2021, appearing in eight games and starting one. He finished that season with five receptions for 116 yards.
Vikings 2023 Draft: Seven-round post-Super Bowl mock draft
The Minnesota Vikings are embarking on a critical offseason, but who are some of their early targets in the 2023 NFL Draft?