Former Mizzou pass rusher Aldon Smith, who was released by the San Francisco 49ers in August following another arrest, has signed a 1-year deal with the Oakland Raiders, according to Bleacher Report:
Former #49ers LB Aldon Smith has signed a 1-yr deal with #Raiders
— Jason Cole (@JasonColeBR) September 11, 2015
Aldon Smith is in the #Raiders building & will sign. He chose them over the #Jaguars, #Bucs & #Rams, I’m told. It’s a one-year deal.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 11, 2015
Since entering the NFL in 2011 as a first-round pick, Smith has been suspended three times following alcohol-related arrests.
After his most recent arrest for hit-and-run, driving under the influence and vandalism charges, San Francisco let him go.
“Sad day,” first-year 49ers coach Jim Tomsula said in August. “This is a day that doesn’t have anything to do about football. … Although he won’t be playing football for the San Francisco 49ers, he will be supported and helped, and he will not have to walk this path alone. That comes from our ownership down. … We’re not worried about football. This has nothing to do with football.
“If one person out there reads [about] this and you’re struggling, get help. Go get it. You’re worth it. You’re worth it. There’s value in in every human being. Go get the help. You don’t have to walk alone. Find it, it’s there.”
Though no announcement has been made on number of games, Smith faces certain suspension this season from the NFL as punishment.
According to insider Adam Schefter, Smith is however eligible to play in Sunday’s opener”
Despite off-field issues, Raiders' Aldon Smith IS eligible to play Sunday, per source. OAK will consider playing him, based on conditioning.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 11, 2015
