The San Francisco 49ers' former troubled linebacker, Aldon Smith, is getting another shot at the NFL, according to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports. This time, it's with the Dallas Cowboys.
Breaking: The #dallascowboys have signed former Pro Bowl LB/DE Aldon Smith to a one-year, marking the end of a 4-year absence. Clean and sober now, incredible how much he's turned his life around. @NFLonFOX @dallascowboys
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) April 2, 2020
Smith's last NFL game came on November 15, 2015, as a member of the Oakland Raiders, the season after his time with the 49ers ended. He will receive a one-year deal worth up to $4 million, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. That is, assuming he is reinstated by the league, which the Cowboys are confident will happen.
Aldon Smith, soon to be back in the league, gets a 1-year, $4M deal with the #Cowboys. A true comeback story. https://t.co/l1I7TO1oxD
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 2, 2020
Aldon Smith's contract with the #Cowboys begins when he is officially reinstated. But clearly, Dallas is confident it will happen. When on the field, few do it better.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 2, 2020
Smith has faced several legal issues since the 49ers made him the No. 7 overall pick in 2011. The latest came on June 10, 2019, when he was stopped by police in Kansas for a traffic violation and then arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Smith has been suspended multiple times under the NFL's substance-abuse policy and the personal conduct policy. San Francisco released the talented linebacker on August 7, 2015, following an arrest for his third DUI.
"Clean and sober now, incredible how much he's turned his life around," Glazer said of the 30-year-old Smith during Fox Football Now.
Smith's best season came in 2012 when he racked up a career-high 66 tackles and 19.5 sacks for the 49ers. He appeared in nine games with the Raiders in 2015, starting seven.
Smith reunites with defensive-line coach Jim Tomsula in Dallas.
H/t to Patrick Tulini for the find.