Three Things the Za’Darius Smith Signing Means for the Minnesota Vikings
How’re we feelin’, Minnesota? Za’Darius Smith is officially a Minnesota Viking after signing a three-year, $42 million deal to play in purple. He will join a defense that will also feature Danielle Hunter at pass-rusher (who officially remains a Viking after converting his $18 million roster bonus to a signing bonus), creating one of the more talented EDGE duos in the NFL. This is a massive move for a multitude of reasons, but here are three immediate impacts of the Smith signing.
Less Pressure on the Secondary
There are two approaches that NFL defenses can take to disrupt an opponent’s passing game. Either they can try to lockdown wide receivers with a great secondary, or they can get after the quarterback with a fearsome pass rush. With today’s rules, it’s a lot easier to rush the QB than it is to play clean defense with cornerbacks. The Vikings have opted to go with this easier route, and it has gotten them two of the top-six sack leaders from the 2019 season.
Assuming the two of them stay healthy, the need for lockdown cornerbacks is dramatically reduced. Cam Dantzler is a serviceable starter, and Minnesota likely still has their eye on bringing back Patrick Peterson.
This is even more apparent following Davante Adams’ and Allen Robinson’s departures from the NFC North. Outside of Minnesota, there is suddenly a severe lack of wide receiver talent in the division, and it seems the Vikings have recognized that with their personnel choices. All they really need to do is find one more contributor in the draft, and they should be set.
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Draft Possibilities Open Up
Speaking of the draft, now that the EDGE position has been checked off the laundry list of needs, the Vikings have a variety of different options with their picks following the first round. And, speaking of that first round, it almost guarantees that the Vikings will take a cornerback at No. 12 (we’re looking at you, Ahmad Gardner).
In rounds 2-6, the choices are endless. Perhaps Minnesota goes with a center like Dohnovan West. Maybe in the second round they continue improving their secondary by taking a safety like Lewis Cine. They could even go RB again in day three to find some more depth at that position. The world is their oyster.
The Mission is Simple
In case it wasn’t already clear, the Vikings are going all-in on winning a Super Bowl in these next two years. By Danielle Hunter around rather than going for some draft capital, plus bringing in Za’Darius Smith, the Vikings want to make life hell for NFC North quarterbacks.
Aaron Rodgers still remains in Green Bay, but that roster is severely diminished by Smith switching sides and Adams heading to the bright lights of Las Vegas. The Vikings have recognized this opportunity and are trying to seize their first Lombardi trophy. Skol.
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