The dominoes have been falling this week as the Minnesota Vikings roster adjustment takes place ahead of the start of the new league year on March 15. First, Eric Kendricks was released and there are reports that Adam Thielen could be next.
Za’Darius Smith, the star edge rusher whose future has been speculation on since he listed his Minnesota home for sale last month, publicly thanked the Vikings and his teammates in a social media post Thursday afternoon.
I just want to say “Thank you!” to Skol Nation for an amazing season & experience! Thank you to all of my Teammates, Coaches & the entire Minnesota Vikings Organization! 💜 pic.twitter.com/LAVAy5jptS
— Za'Darius Smith (@zadariussmith) March 9, 2023
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Smith has asked the Vikings to release him but the Vikings don’t plan to do that.
#Vikings Pro Bowl pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith informed the team that he wants to be released, I’m told. The team has no plans to do that. The situation remains unresolved. https://t.co/1jWfnK36w4
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2023
If the Vikings cut or trade Smith, it would create $12.2 million in cap space and only carry $3.3 million in dead money against the 2023 salary cap.
Smith was fourth in the NFL in QB pressures last season but his production fell off a cliff in the second half of the season as he battled a knee injury. Look how his numbers declined after Week 10.
Before: 88.8 PFF pass rush grade, 6.1 QB pressures per game, 9.5 sacks. 24.5% pass rush win rate
After: 70.1 PFF pass rush grade, 3.3 QB pressures per game, 1 sack, 18.3% pass rush win rate
A public thank-you at this time of year usually signals change, but we’ll have to wait and see what comes of it.
