By Jordan Long
The Dallas Cowboys added defensive end Aldon Smith to their team. Smith agreed to a 1-year contract with a $2 million base salary. He can earn up to $2 million in incentives.
Smith played 5 years in the NFL for the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers. During his time with both franchises, Smith was one of the top defensive linemen in the game. Offensive linemen had to double-team him. If they didn’t Smith could easily sack the quarterback to change field position. He recorded 47.5 sacks.
Smith was also used to stop the opponents’ running game. When he had a chance to tackle a running back, he would do so for short gains or losses behind the line of scrimmage. Smith knocked the football out of their hands for fumbles, forcing 5.
Smith might have been the top defensive lineman in the game. The problem is he hasn’t played a single down of football since 2015. He was suspended for violating the NFL league’s substance-abuse policy. In August of 2015, Smith was involved in a hit and run, DUI, and vandalism. It was Smiths’ third DUI. The NFL decided it was time to suspend him indefinitely.
According to ESPN, Smith stated on his Instagram account, “Life is good. I’m thankful. I’m blessed. I’m a Cowboy.”
The Cowboys are taking a risk. Smith must be reinstated by the NFL. He needs to show he can make better choices with his behavior off the field. He is in the process of doing that. The NFL may deny his reinstatement and he would have to apply again at a later time.
The other problem is what kind of football shape is Smith in. He has not played as single down since 2015. If he is back to playing at the level he did in 2013 where he totaled 8.5 sacks, he could help the Cowboy flip field position. Otherwise, it could be a wasted deal. On paper, the Cowboys defensive line is improved with this move.
Leave a Reply