Cowboys Signing Troubled Former All-Pro DE Aldon Smith in Most Surprising Move of Offseason So Far
By Mark Powell
In a classic case of an actual signing most fans assumed was an April Fools' joke, the Dallas Cowboys have agreed to a short-term contract with Aldon Smith. Yes, that Aldon Smith.
Smith spent four years with the San Francisco 49ers and turned himself into a household name, only to eventually sign on with the Raiders but last just one season due to a domestic violence situation in 2018. Two years later, he's successfully applied for reinstatement, and is ready to make an impact in Jerry's World.
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
The now-30-year-old pass-rusher recorded back-to-back seasons of 14 and 19.5 sacks to open his career, only to see those numbers take a downturn thanks to off-field struggles.
Smith is, apparently, clean and sober per Jay Glazer, but the Cowboys must tread lightly here. His domestic violence situation wasn't the only moment in Smith's controversial past, as he dealt with substance abuse issues as well. While his talent encourages a clean slate, Jones' history with troubled personalities (see: Hardy, Greg), should actually help Dallas in this case.
Report: The Cowboys have reached agreement with pass rusher Aldon Smith @JayGlazer reports https://t.co/PxpFZeauq1
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 2, 2020
The money wasn't an issue for Dallas, even with a looming Dak Prescott contract. The message such a contract sends, however, is an emerging development, and one the Cowboys must answer for.