The Oakland Raiders have signed linebacker Aldon Smith to a one year deal, who recently cut by the 49ers for his off the field troubles.
Smith is one of the most talented pass rushers in all of football, he’s put up big numbers when he has managed to stay on the field. He was taken seventh Overall by the 49ers, and in his rookie season, Smith recorded a total of 14 sacks and finished second behind Von Miller for AP Rookie of the year.
His 2nd season Smith took the league by storm, surpassed Reggie White to become the quickest player to 30 sacks in NFL history, and finished the season with 19.
The 49ers were forced to cut Smith due to all of his legal issues, he was stabbed at his home and two others were shot. He was originally charged with three felony accounts of illegal possession of an assault weapon, but the charges were later reduced to misdemeanors.
Smith also arrested for a bizarre incident at LAX airport, he got into a heated argument with a TSA Agent, Smith reportedly told the agent he had a bomb on him.
Smith also has three DUIs, and the most recent was month ago in Santa Clare when he was arrested for an alleged hit and run, driving under the influence, and vandalism charges. The Niners finally had enough of Smith’s off the field antics, and released him the next day.
After Smith’s breakthrough season in 2012, Smith only played in 11 games in 2013 because he checked into a voluntary Rehab faculty and only played 7 games in 2014 because he served a nine game suspension for violating NFL substance abuse and personal conduct policy.
Smith had 10.5 sacks in the past two season. Smith is available to play Week 1 this Sunday, but its known if he will, due to his conditioning. A big decision on a suspension is looming overtop of Smith’s head, but until then it’ll be very interesting watch Smith play alongside Khalil Mack, and the Oakland defense.
