At the top of their edge rusher depth chart, the Minnesota Vikings have two very talented players in Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel. Behind them, however, things are a bit dicey for the Vikings at the moment.
Turner should perform well in his new role as a starter, but with him now at the top of the depth chart, Minnesota doesn't really have someone reliable to be their third edge rusher who can rotate in and out of different packages.
However, a familiar face just became available who could help the Vikings fix this problem in their edge rusher room.
Former Minnesota edge rusher Za'Darius Smith, who made the Pro Bowl in his lone season with the Vikings in 2022, was just released from the reserve/retired list by the Philadelphia Eagles on Wednesday.
Following Smith's release, he is now free to sign with any team that presents him with an offer. Could that potentially be Minnesota?
Should the Minnesota Vikings attempt to bring back Za'Darius Smith?
After finishing up the 2024 campaign with the Detroit Lions, Smith signed a one-year deal worth $4.25 million with the Eagles right before the start of last season. His Philadelphia tenure lasted a whole five games before he unexpectedly decided to retire from the NFL.
With the Eagles releasing Smith on Wednesday, it would seem to be an indication that he's had second thoughts about retirement and would like to attempt to continue his pro career in 2026.
He'll be 34 in September, and if he doesn't cost any more than what the Eagles paid him last season, the Vikings should absolutely be one of the teams giving Smith a call in the near future.
Minnesota also might have an advantage over some other teams that could have interest in signing him, as he not only spent a season with the Vikings already, but his current agent, Erik Burkhardt, also represents new Minnesota quarterback Kyler Murray.
Despite things not working out in Philadelphia last year, there's reason to believe Smith still has some juice left in the tank.
Before the 2025 campaign with the Eagles, he was coming off three straight seasons with at least 60 pressures and six sacks (including 2022 with the Vikings). If he could produce even half of those numbers, Minnesota would likely be more than happy to welcome him back.
So, should the Vikings get Mr. Burkhardt on the phone and see if Smith is interested in a second stint with the purple and gold?
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