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David Levine -> RE: 2022 Free Agency (3/23/2022 1:47:35 AM)
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After allowing Danielle Hunter’s $18 million roster bonus to activate, this likely sets the Vikings up to have a devastating duo of pass rushers in 2022. In the last season both Smith and Hunter were completely healthy, 2019, they were first and second in the league in pressures produced, per Pro Football Focus.
A pass rusher opposite Hunter was a big need heading into the offseason and something the Vikings tried and failed to resolve in 2021 with the re-signing of defensive end Everson Griffen. The 14th-ranked free agent in Sheil Kapadia’s free agency rankings, Smith, 29, represents a splashy solution to that problem — an opportunity that only opened up after Smith committed to and then de-committed from the Ravens last week. Smith will be reunited with his former outside linebackers coach in Green Bay, Mike Smith.
How he fits: Za’Darius Smith has extensive experience in 3-4 systems, though this particular one is new to him. Easing the transition will be Mike Smith and defensive assistant Mike Pettine, who should be able to fine-tune the system to fit what the pass-rusher does best. Lining up opposite Hunter should help both edge defenders and could lead to even better pressure numbers.
Because of injuries, Smith and Hunter are both gambles at the position, however, and that’s one reason both can fit under the cap. Neither played a full 2021; Hunter played seven games and Smith just one.
While both have injury concerns, their most recent stretches of play showcased high-level, borderline elite production. If they can continue at that level, it would be tough for opposing quarterbacks to get the ball out on time, which would help the Vikings’ depleted secondary.
2022 impact: The Vikings might not be pigeonholed into drafting an edge rusher early and will have the ability to develop their roster of young pass rushers more organically. With recent mid-round draft picks like D.J. Wonnum, Patrick Jones and Janarius Robinson along with late-round selection Kenny Willekes, there’s a lot of potential there if the Vikings can take their time. Meanwhile, they have an instant impact up front that should make life tough for opposing offenses. Both Hunter and Smith bring high-level run defense to go with their elite pass-rush capability.
Not only that, Smith’s contract comes a little cheaper than pass rushers tend to cost, which should give Minnesota some flexibility as it continues to manage its stressed salary cap. For now, the Vikings’ front seven only needs an interior defensive lineman with pass-rush capability to go along with Dalvin Tomlinson and new signing Harrison Phillips.
https://theathletic.com/3201141/2022/03/22/vikings-add-former-packers-ravens-edge-rusher-zadarius-smith-how-will-he-fit-in-minnesota/
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