Skip to content
College Football

Za’Darius Smith, former Kentucky star defender, signs big 3-year contract with new NFL team

Adam Spencer

By Adam Spencer

Published:

Za’Darius Smith was a fourth-round pick out of Kentucky in the 2015 NFL Draft, going to the Baltimore Ravens.

He’s spent the past 3 years as a key member of the Green Bay Packers’ defense, helping the team to the playoffs each year.

Now, though, he’s heading to one of the Packers’ rivals. The Minnesota Vikings announced on Tuesday that Smith was signing a 3-year contract that is worth a reported $42 million:

In 7 NFL seasons, including the 2021 season that was cut short by injury, Smith has recorded 227 total tackles and 44.5 sacks. He has forced 8 fumbles and has broken up 7 passes.

He figures to be a major part of the Vikings’ defense over the next 3 seasons, just like he was in Green Bay.

Adam Spencer

Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.

You might also like...

2025 RANKINGS

presented by rankings

RAPID REACTION

presented by rankings