EDIT: This article was published seconds before Smith announced he was signing with the Vikings.
The Baltimore Ravens’ loss could be the Houston Texans’ treasure.
Za’Darius Smith has been one of the better pass rushers in NFL for the last few seasons. So when he was let go by the Green Bay Packers due to Aaron Rodgers’ huge contract (which could destabilize the Packers like Joe Flacco’s contract did the Ravens ten years ago), a big market was instantly there.
Surprisingly, Smith went back to his original team in the Ravens, only to initially agree on a contract but to then have talks fizzle out. As a result, Smith is once again a free agent, and the Houston Texans and Lovie Smith should be calling Smith’s agent right now.
This Smith-Smith combo would be a win-win. Lovie Smith would get an experienced veteran who knows how to get to the quarterback, and Za’Darius Smith would get to be the top rusher in defense and learn from one of the best minds in the game.
Houston Texans need pass rush help with Matt Ryan in the AFC South
When the Colts struck a deal for Matt Ryan, it was an incredible value. Ryan has done so much with so little (despite what his win/loss record may be) that switching to a team that has a tremendous offensive line, the best running back in the league, and a stout defense?
The Colts are instantly Super Bowl contenders, with Ryan also easily the best passer in the division. However, Houston has to get home on Ryan in their matchups, as in their last two matchups, the Texans have been outscored by the Colts to the score of 62-3.
Who knows if Ryan will recruit other players to Indianapolis, with Odell Beckham Jr. taking note of the move on Twitter. Regardless, Smith would be the perfect counter-attack to help the Texans in their climb out of the basement.