Ravens no longer signing Za’Darius Smith after deal falls through

A day after it was reported that outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith was going to reunite with the Baltimore Ravens, reports have been released that Smith will not be signing with the Ravens and he will remain a free agent.

Many were exciting about the prospect of the reunion, but ultimately, the Ravens now find themselves searching for a new pass rusher to pair with sophomore linebacker Odafe Oweh.

Possibly a reason for the change of heart has to do with the contracts given out to pass rushers Von Miller and Chandler Jones in the hours that followed Smith’s reported agreement. Von Miller was signed to a six-year, $120 million deal at 32-years old. Jones received $17 million per year with the Las Vegas Raiders.

According to The Baltimore Sun’s Jonas Shaffer, after agreeing to a contract with the Ravens yesterday, Smith’s reps and the team were still negotiating his contracts average annual value (AAV).