Packers Lose Out On Another Key Piece in Za'darius Smith to Vikings in 3-year $42 Million signing for Minnesota

The Minnesota Vikings signed former Green Bay Packers pass rusher Za’darius Smith to a 3-year $42 million deal that gives a much maligned defense a top tier pass rush threat.

The young two-time Pro-Bowler is getting his big pay day after being a menace to quarterbacks during his tenure with the Packers. After having back surgery near the start of last season I do want to temper expectations a little bit for Vikings fans. While I do expect Smith to be help the vikings defense which has plagued them in years past, it hasn’t been their pass rush that has hurt them at least that wasn’t the case last season.

The Vikings last year had the 2nd most sacks in the NFL behind only the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, they were 7th worst in the league against the run by total rushing yards and 3rd worst in the league by yards per carry allowing nearly 5 yards per rush by opposing running backs. Their secondary was also abysmal, being 5th worst in passing yards allowed,  8th worst in yards per attempt allowed, 8th worst in pass plays of 20+ yards, and 9th worst in passing touchdowns allowed. 

So what does this mean for Vikings fans?

Don’t believe the hype, your pass rush is doing well and signing Za’darius Smith does not improve the defense nearly as much as getting a top tier cornerback or safety. If the Vikings really want to make a push for the NFC North they are going to have to invest in stopping the run and improving their bottom tier secondary.