Why former Packers star Za’Darius Smith pulled a complete 180 on Ravens

This why former Green Bay Packers defensive end Za’Darius Smith backed out of his deal with the Baltimore Ravens in his NFL free agency.

For a minute there, it seemed as though former Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Za’Darius Smith would be making his triumphant return to the Baltimore Ravens.

Smith was originally drafted out of Kentucky by the Ravens in 2015. He left Baltimore in free agency ahead of the 2019 NFL campaign. In his first two years with the Packers, Smith was a Pro Bowler and an All-Pro-level player on the Green Bay defense. However, injuries and a massive contract resulted in him being a cap casualty this offseason. He is on the market as of Monday.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk provided some insight as to why Smith backed out of his four-year, $35 million deal with Baltimore last week.

NFL free agency rumors: Why Za’Darius Smith backed out of Ravens deal

Florio reported the way Smith’s contract with the Ravens was laid out would get him closer to $50 million based on incentives. Interestingly enough, Smith’s decision to back out of the contract came on the heels of Chandler Jones signing big money with the Las Vegas Raiders and Von Miller getting a massive deal with the Buffalo Bills. A different contract was created shortly thereafter.

This is where things fell apart. Smith’s agent proposed a different deal to the Ravens, one that Baltimore ultimately passed on. The strange part in all this is many people thought Smith had another deal in the bag in case this one with Baltimore fell through. That does not seem to be the case at all. While they could come to terms with Baltimore again, money is being spent elsewhere.

It feels as though Smith and his representation over played their hand in dealing with the Ravens.