Browns given higher grade than Vikings for Za’Darius Smith trade

At least one NFL analyst wasn't a big fan of what the Minnesota Vikings got from the Browns in the Za'Darius Smith trade.

The Minnesota Vikings were in an awkward situation situation when it came to edge rusher Za'Darius Smith. The linebacker was publically vocal about not wanting to play for the purple and gold this upcoming season.

Although the reason for him wanting to leave is still largely unknown, trying to trade a player who is expressing his displeasure in public forums can make it very difficult to get great compensation in a trade.

When it was revealed that Smith and two future late-round draft picks were traded to the Cleveland Browns for a fifth-round pick in 2024 and a fifth-round pick in 2025, there were definitely people who felt as though Minnesota didn't get enough back.

What grade did the Minnesota Vikings get for the trade?

Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports wrote in his article that Minnesota added to their draft capital but that he was surprised that a pass rusher of Smith's caliber didn't result in greater compensation during the trade.

DeArdo gave the Vikings a grade of B for the trade and the Browns a grade of A+ for the transaction.

Smith was among the league leaders in sacks last season until an injury slowed him down. When healthy, he can be very productive and should help a struggling Cleveland pass rush to be more effective.

Meanwhile, the Vikings prepared for this trade by signing former Saint's pass rusher Marcus Davenport but still have to work to make sure they can pair him with Danielle Hunter in Minnesota's defense.

DeArdo is right. It would have been great to get more compensation in exchange for trading away Za'Darius Smith. However, the Minnesota Vikings can now move forward and hopefully Za'Darius Smirh can find his happiness in Cleveland.