Expectations for Vikings' Za'Darius Smith

Jan 22, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith (55) celebrates after sacking San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (not pictured) in the first quarter during a NFC Divisional playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Expectations for Za'Darius Smith in first season with Vikings

By Timothy Lindsey | Last updated 6/30/22

The Minnesota Vikings are looking for a completely healthy year on both edges of their defensive line. Both Danielle Hunter and Za'Darius Smth have been All-Pro selections in their careers. But the latter is going into his first season with the Vikings after spending three years with the rival Green Bay Packers.

The veteran signed a three-year, $42M deal with Minnesota in free agency. After missing virtually the entire 2021 season, Smith is looking for a healthy, bounce-back campaign in 2022.

Before only playing in one game last season due to a back injury, Smith played in every single one of Green Bay's 32 regular season games and five postseason games. He even fought back to return from his back injury to play in the teams divisional round game vs San Francisco. It is clear that the former Kentucky Wildcat loves football and wants to be out there every snap. He is once again hungry to prove himself. The two-time Pro Bowler had 26 sacks in his first two seasons in Green Bay, which is the most in that span for any player in Packers history. He recorded a combined 60 QB hits in 2019 and 2020, along with nearly 30 tackles for loss. When healthy, Smith is one of the premiere edge-rushers in the entire league.

A successful season for the former Baltimore Raven could certainly be double-digit sacks. He needs to prove that he is still the same player that he was before his injury-plagued 2021 season. If he can play close to a full season and record at least 10 sacks, along with double-digit pressures and QB hits, the Vikings will have one of the best overall defenses in the sport. This could be true if his teammate Hunter returns to All-Pro form.

In the NFC North, there is one dragon. It is quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. To slay the dragon, teams need an elite pass rush. Minnesota appears to have the most talented duo. Will it be enough? It's hard to say in June, but the franchise has given themselves a great chance at possibly trying to take the dragon down.

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