BALTIMORE — As it turns out, the Baltimore Ravens don't have that coveted pass rusher they thought they were going to sign.
A day after reports surfaced that linebacker Za'Darius Smith agreed to a four-year, $35 million contract with the Ravens, the former Pro Bowler has changed his mind.
According to NFL Network, Smith decided not to sign his deal with the Ravens and will remain a free agent.
The Ravens are still in the market for a pass rusher.
ESPN's Adam Schefter, and other media personalities, reported that Smith and the Ravens agreed to a multi-year contract on Wednesday.
Then, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Twitter on Thursday that Smith is no longer headed to Baltimore.
"I think over the coming days we’ll have more to say on other moves that we make," Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said in a press conference Thursday when the team announced the signings of safety Marcus Williams and right tackle Morgan Moses.
Smith, an outside linebacker, was drafted by the Ravens in the fourth round in 2015.
He played with the Ravens through 2018 until his signed with the Green Bay Packers.
Smith was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2020, and was recently released by the Packers after playing just one game during an injury-plagued 2021 season.
In seven seasons, Smith tallied 227 tackles, 44.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles.
He played all 16 games in 2019 and 2020, combining for 26 sacks in those years.
Offseason acquisition Marcus Williams signed a five-year deal to join Baltimore's defense.
