This weekend, the Minnesota Vikings traded Za’Darius Smith to the Cleveland Browns after the veteran pass-rusher requested to be released by the team earlier this offseason. The move nets the Vikings two fifth-round picks as well as cap space for both this year as well as 2024.
Throughout the offseason, Minnesota has made a very conscientious effort to get younger across their roster. They released Eric Kendricks and Adam Thielen, presumably opening the door for Brian Asamoah and Jordan Addison to step into starting roles. Likewise, the Smith trade allows a 26-year-old (will turn 27 on September 4th) Marcus Davenport to take officially take over a starting role.