Raiders re-sign Aldon Smith despite suspension
The Raiders are fortifying their pass rush, despite Aldon Smith's issues away from the field.
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The Raiders' resurgent offseason spiked again on Monday. This time, they've agreed to a deal that'll boost their already upgraded pass rush.
As ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported, the Raiders are bringing back Aldon Smith. The Raiders later announced the move.
Bruce Irvin is already excited.
RT @SportsCenter: Raiders and Aldon Smith have an agreement ... https://t.co/S9YjFexFv5
— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) April 4, 2016
So is Khalil Mack.
— Khalil Mack (@52Mack_) April 4, 2016
Though Smith is undoubtedly talented, he's also troubled. He's currently in the middle of a year-long suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy and he can't be reinstated until November.
When that suspension was announced, Jared Dubin elaborated on Smith's issues away from the field:
Smith signed with the Raiders in September after being released by the 49ers following his third DUI and fifth arrest in three years. Smith's August arrest, which resulted in his being charged with hit and run, DUI and vandalism, followed arrests for two other DUIs, as well as felony assault weapons charges (later reduced to misdemeanors) and a (later dropped) charge of false report of a bomb threat.
But, again, Smith is a menace on the field. He's managed to rack up 47.5 sacks in 59 career games. Though he recorded just 3.5 sacks a year ago, he wasn't ineffective.
Raiders OLB Aldon Smith finished 2015 as PFF's 33rd-highest-graded edge defender—79.7 overall grade. pic.twitter.com/OjLqpoGLyJ
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) April 4, 2016
He's also young. At 26 years old, Smith -- if he can remain on the field -- has a chance to become a pass-rushing mainstay. The idea of pairing him alongside Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin, even if it's just for half a season, should be terrifying for Philip Rivers, Alex Smith, and whoever the heck ends up as the Broncos' starting quarterback.
