3 Za’Darius Smith replacements for the Vikings revamped defense

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JANUARY 15: Justin Houston #50 of the Baltimore Ravens sacks Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Paycor Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 12: Markus Golden #44 of the Arizona Cardinals gets set against the New England Patriots at State Farm Stadium on December 12, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

The Minnesota Vikings could not stop a lot of teams in 2022. Now the search is on for another pass rusher after Za’Darius Smith was dealt to Cleveland.

Only the division-rival Detroit Lions allowed more total yards per game, and only the Tennessee Titans surrendered more passing yards per contest. Despite a 13-4 showing and an NFC North title, the Minnesota Vikings allowed more points (427) than they scored (424) this past season.

There have already been numerous changes to Kevin O’Connell’s club on the defensive side of the ball. It started with the firing of coordinator Ed Donatell and the hiring of Brian Flores.

Veterans such as outside linebacker Eric Kendricks, cornerback Patrick Peterson and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson are now elsewhere. That now includes pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith, who was dealt to the Browns on Friday evening.

Who could fill the void for a performer that finished with 44 tackles and 10 sacks in 16 starts for the Vikings this past season?

Vikings replacements for Za’Darius Smith

3. Markus Golden

The Arizona Cardinals parted ways with the nine-year NFL veteran this offseason after a less-than-scintillating showing in 2022, at least in terms of sacks. However, outside linebacker Markus Golden appeared in all 17 games for the club and made 14 starts. He finished with 48 tackles (7 for losses), but only 2.5 sacks.

However, the 32-year-old pro was tied for second on the team with 20 quarterback pressures, as many as defensive end Zach Allen, and just five less than J.J. Watt (25).

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