NFL Rumors: Why Baltimore Ravens Should Move On From Za'Darius Smith

The Baltimore Ravens are having an OK time with free agency so far, but the franchise may be chasing the wind in their pursuit of Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith.

Last week, ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter reported, citing an unnamed source, that Smith had agreed to a deal with the Ravens worth around $50 million for the next four years.

A day after Schefter’s report, fellow league insider Ian Rapoport reported, citing unnamed sources, that the pass-rushing linebacker had backed out of signing his deal with the Ravens to remain a free agent. International Business Times could not independently verify this information.

It was thought that Smith’s decision to back out of the deal was due to the massive contracts that fellow defensive players Chandler Jones and Von Miller received from the Las Vegas Raiders and Buffalo Bills, respectively.

The Ravens’ pursuit of the top-tier linebacker has been a development that observers have been closely following since Smith was released last week by the Packers from the four-year, $66 million contract that he signed in 2019.

ProFootballTalk then reported that Smith and his agent sent a counter-offer to the Ravens which the franchise accepted, but it apparently was not enough, and the player’s party proposed a “dramatically different” deal that seemingly incensed the organization, which led to them balking.

Before he landed in Green Bay, Smith was selected in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL draft by the Ravens and played a big role in Charm City after totaling 18.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and 71 solo tackles in 59 total games (58 in the regular season and one in the playoffs).

Bringing Smith back to Baltimore would have been a massive game-changer for the Ravens as his ability to rush the passer off the edge and through the gaps would help rebuild the organization’s identity of being a monster on defense.

Smith backing out and then overcompensating his market value has left him without a team for now, and the Ravens should now shift their attention elsewhere.

Team general manager Eric DeCosta made two big signings following the events with Smith, signing offensive tackle Morgan Moses and bringing back defensive lineman Michael Pierce.

It could be argued that the Moses signing has more weight to it than Pierce’s return because the former’s arrival helps shore up their deficiencies in protecting 2019 league MVP Lamar Jackson.

Moses would also help open up gaps in the middle for their running back group to punch through and make a big play.

They will also need to address other concerns after losing cornerback Anthony Averett to the Raiders and at center following the departure of Bradley Bozeman.

With 10 draft picks in their back pocket, the Ravens can afford to not sign Smith while having multiple opportunities to form a Super Bowl-worthy team around Jackson as they hope to entice him to sign a long-term deal.