According to Jay Glazer via TMZ Sports, former San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders Defensive End Aldon Smith has turned his life around and is laser-focused on getting back into the NFL.
“Aldon's great because Aldon's been working out with our [military veterans] in our MVP program every single Wednesday night,” Jay Glazer said.
“Aldon has been sober for a while and he's been helping a lot of our vets with their sobriety.”
Aldon Smith was one of the best defensive players in the NFL before the substance abuse issues and domestic violence allegations caught up to him and pretty much derailed his career. These problems and a hit-and-run incident in 2015 ended up earning him a one-year suspension from the league. That's the last we've heard from him… until now.
If what Jay Glazer says is true and the 30-year-old DE has indeed turned his life around, teams around the league would probably jump at the chance at adding a talent like Aldon Smith. It's not very often these WAR DADDY pass rushers become available, especially one that could be had rather cheaply.
HELLO DALLAS COWBOYS!!!
The Dallas Cowboys could be looking for more defensive end help with the possibility of Robert Quinn leaving via free agency. It's still possible Quinn could be brought back if his asking price isn't too high, but that shouldn't stop them from trying to add Aldon Smith to the mix as well.
Aldon Smith proved to be one of the best pass rushers in the league during his short time in the NFL. Not only did he accumulate 19.5 quarterback sacks in a single season, but he also racked up 47.5 in just 59 career games. And guess what… most of his success came under the tutelage of Jim Tomsula, the Dallas Cowboys new defensive line coach.
Jim Tomsula was Aldon Smith's DL coach with the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-2014 before Smith's eventual release. Tomsula should have firsthand knowledge about not only the former All-Pro's talents, but his character as well. If Smith has indeed turned his life around, the Cowboys new DL coach could be the link that brings his talents to Dallas.
I really think this could be a win-win for the Dallas Cowboys. Aldon Smith possesses the kind of talent worth gambling on, even if he hasn't played in almost 5 years. Then there's always the added bonus of signing him for probably nothing more than a league minimum contract.
I'd personally be on board if the Dallas Cowboys wanted to take a chance on Aldon Smith. If it pays off it's a brilliant move, but if it doesn't… no harm no foul. I'm just hoping Jim Tomsula can be the difference maker in convincing Smith Dallas is the place he needs to come to resurrect his career. After all, it worked for Charles Haley.
Charles Haley, another talented/troubled former 49ers DE was believed to be the “final piece” to the Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl run. Who knows? But, maybe history is repeating itself and Aldon Smith is the next Haley for the Cowboys. I know it's a reach, but stranger things have happened.
