Aldon Smith Signs With Oakland Raiders


Aldon Smith has signed a one-year deal with the Oakland Raiders. NFL rumors about Smith speculate the Raiders front office is willing to give the troubled defensive end another shot in the league. A report from CBS Sports confirms the signing, allowing the lineman a chance to play during the 2015 NFL season.

The 49ers had released Smith after he was arrested for the fifth time in just three years. His off field problems had started taking its toll, but apparently other teams are willing to overlook those troubles. In addition to the Raiders, the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and St. Louis Rams had expressed interest in Smith.

In 50 games with the San Francisco 49ers, Aldon Smith notched 44 sacks and 120 total tackles. He also had five pass deflections, an interception, six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and a safety on his resume. At just 25 years old, Smith has proven to be one of the more talented defensive players in the league. A Pro Bowl inductee and All-Pro First-Team member, his talent has never been in question.

On the night of August 6, Smith was arrested by the Santa Clara Police and charged with hit and run, DUI and vandalism. He could still face prosecution and an NFL suspension for this latest arrest, but the league hadn’t weighed in since he was no longer on a team. Now that he signed with the Raiders, the league office may have to take some action to address the situation.

The Raiders needed to add more talent to a roster that isn’t predicted to do very well in the AFC West this season. It’s an understatement to say that they are in rebuilding mode, which may be why a risk is being taken on Smith. Many NFL analysts are already debating whether this could change the culture in Oakland, especially because of his veteran savvy on the defensive side of the ball.

The Raiders don’t play the 49ers on the 2015 NFL schedule, leaving out the typical head-to-head drama promoted by the networks. As previously reported by the Inquisitr, the Raiders have some of the worst Super Bowl odds in the league. They are currently slated at 100-1 to win Super Bowl 50, giving fans a hint of the a rough season ahead. With Aldon Smith on defense, though, the team won’t be as easy to score on as it has been in recent seasons.

[Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images]

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