Vikings, Smith ink $42M contract
MINNEAPOLIS » Three years ago at the Pro Bowl, Danielle Hunter autographed a jersey and gave it to his NFC teammate, Za’darius Smith, with an inscription that raised the possibility of a future reunion. That didn’t take long. Smith agreed to a threeyear contract worth $42 million with the Vikings on Tuesday, giving the team a pass-rushing boost it badly needed to complement Hunter.
Speaking to reporters at Vikings headquarters after his deal was done, Smith shook his head and smiled as he recounted that interaction with Hunter at the NFL’S annual all-star game.
“Big shoutout to Danielle Hunter, man. I’m happy to be here to get a chance to play with him,” said Smith, whose contract has incentives that can boost the maximum value to $47 million.
The 29-year-old Smith was a Pro Bowl pick in 2019 and 2020 with a combined 26 sacks in 32 games for Green Bay, but he had a major back injury last season and appeared in only one game. The Packers released Smith last week.
Armstead says he’s signing with Miami. MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. » Terron Armstead has become the Miami Dolphins’ latest big free agent move, announcing that he’s joining the team after spending his first nine NFL seasons with the New Orleans Saints.
Armstead instantly becomes the presumed starter at left tackle for the Dolphins, whose offensive line struggled at times last season. A person with knowledge of the agreement said Armstead will sign a fiveyear deal worth nearly $75 million, with about $44 million guaranteed.
Bills sign WR Crowder, RB Johnson.
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. » Buffalo added to its offensive depth by signing receiver Jamison Crowder and running back Duke Johnson to one-year deals.
Crowder joins the Bills after spending the past three seasons with the New York Jets. Johnson also has seven seasons of NFL experience. The 5-foot-9 slot receiver will be given the opportunity to replace Cole Beasley, who was released.
Johnson could replace Matt Breida in the thirddown role behind Devin Singletary.
DT Reed tweets he’s signing with Packers.
GREEN BAY, WIS. » Free agent defensive tackle Jarran Reed says he’s heading to the Green Bay Packers. Reed indicated his choice by tweeting, “Let’s gooooo #Gopackgo so thankful for the opportunity to continue my career in Green Bay.”
The 29-year-old Reed played for the Kansas City Chiefs last season and had 2½ sacks plus a fumble recovery. He spent his first five seasons with Seattle. He has 24½ career sacks.
Falcons sign OLB Carter.
FLOWERY BRANCH, GA. » Former Georgia football star Lorenzo Carter is returning home to play for the Atlanta Falcons. Looking to bolster its pass rush, the Falcons signed the outside linebacker to a one-year deal.
Carter was selected by the New York Giants in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft. The 6-foot-5, 255pound Carter played in 49 games for the Giants, with 33 starts. Last season, he had a career-best five sacks.