Veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith sent what appears to be a farewell message to the Vikings this Thursday.
“I just want to say ‘Thank you!’ to Skol Nation for an amazing season & experience,” Smith tweeted. “Thank you to all of my Teammates, Coaches & the entire Minnesota Vikings Organization!”
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said Smith informed the Vikings that he wants to be released.
However, Rapoport has been told that Minnesota doesn’t plan on cutting Smith at this time. As a result, this situation remains unresolved.
The Vikings signed Smith to a three-year, $42 million contract last offseason. Prior to joining their franchise, he spent three seasons on the Packers.
Smith had a really productive 2022 season, racking up 44 total tackles, 10 sacks and a forced fumble.
The Vikings would free up over $12 million in cap space by releasing Smith. We’ll see if they choose that route.