5 teams who could trade for Minnesota Vikings OLB Za'Darius Smith

Team No. 1 who could trade for Minnesota Vikings OLB Za'Darius Smith

Baltimore Ravens

Perhaps the Vikings send Smith back to where he originally came from. Za'Darius Smith started his career with the Baltimore Ravens, having played there his first four seasons in the league.

The Ravens are always eager to add pass rushers to their defensive front and almost signed Smith last season in free agency. They apparently had a deal in place, and it was announced that he'd be returning home. Things fell through, and Smith ended up signing with the Vikings. It's unclear what happened in those negotiations, but if the Ravens trade for him, Smith wouldn't be able to back out again.

The Ravens do have a need for Za'Darius Smith. They have a couple of young pass rushers on the roster in Odafe Oweh, David Ojabo, and rookie Tavius Robinson.

Oweh hasn't quite developed into the impact edge rusher the team has been hoping for, and Ojabo finally got on the field late in his rookie season after recovering from an ACL injury. Smith could be a mentor both on and off the field and really expedite the progression of these three young players.

The Vikings could be up for it because it would be trading Smith out of the conference. They won't have to worry about upgrading an NFC opponent or have to face a motivated Smith who would be out for revenge in a 2023 meeting.