Report: Ravens sign Za'Darius Smith to 4-year, $35M deal

The Baltimore Ravens are signing pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith to a four-year, $35-million contract that has a maximum value of $50 million, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Smith, 29, reunites with the Ravens after the team selected him in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

The Kentucky alumnus is coming off a forgettable 2021 campaign in which he was limited to one game by a bothersome back issue. Smith spent three seasons with the Packers, racking up 108 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, and 26 sacks.

The two-time Pro Bowler became a formidable edge rusher over the course of four seasons in Baltimore before leaving the club as a free agent in 2019. Smith racked up 18.5 sacks and 24 tackles for loss from 2015-18.

Smith provides a veteran presence for a Ravens defense that also features Odafe Oweh and Tyus Bowser. Baltimore's pass rush could use a boost after tallying 34 sacks last season. The AFC North squad is looking to reload on defense with Calais Campbell and Justin Houston among its unrestricted free agents.

The Ravens shored up the back end of the unit by signing former New Orleans Saints safety Marcus Williams.

Copyright (C) 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.