Former Kentucky Football linebacker Za’Darius Smith has reportedly signed a new deal with the Green Bay Packers.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday morning that the Packers are expected to sign former Baltimore Ravens edge rusher Za’Darius Smith and ex-Bears safety Adrian Amos, per sources informed of the deals. Amos’ deal, Rapoport added, will be for four years worth $37 million, $21 million coming in the first two seasons. Smith’s contract comes in the form of four years for $66 million with $34.5 million across the initial two seasons.
Smith was a standout with the Baltimore Ravens last season and earned his contract getting a career record in sacks.
Za’Darius Smith exploded in 2018, snagging a career-high 8.5 sacks, including a three-sack performance in the Week 6 shutout of the Tennessee Titans. Smith generated 60 pressures in 2018, 17th most among edge defenders in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus.
The former fourth-round pick out of Kentucky owns the athleticism and ability to turn speed into power. He might struggle in run defense, but Smith will get paid to disrupt the passer. Still just 26 years old, Smith injects some youth and athleticism to a Packers decrepit pass rush.
