Jason Cole of B/R spoke to an NFL source who said that they really had no choice but to suspend Raiders OLB Aldon Smith for an entire year following the off-the-field incident that took place during the summer.
Cole points out that Smith has had three DUIs over the course of his career and has already served a nine-game suspension, so they had to increase the number of games missed to more than nine. The NFL is aware of his personal issues.
According to Cole, the Raiders are expected to re-sign him next year after he serves his one-year suspension. Cole adds that Smith’s future in the NFL is “still bright” even after he serves his latest suspension.
- Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie said previously he saw Smith as a good fit with the team, and he’s part of their “long-term plans” after this season.
- Albert Breer reported last night that Smith’s contract will not toll with this suspension, which means he’ll be an unrestricted free agent next year.
- Ian Rapoport reports that the Raiders plan to stick with Smith, even after he serves the one-year suspension.
Smith, 26, was cut loose by the 49ers shortly after the DUI incident, even though they picked up his fifth-year option.
He signed to a one-year deal with the Raiders that was worth up to $8 million through incentives. His contract carried a base value of $1 million to go along with $5 million in active roster bonuses and another $2 million in sack-based incentives.
In total, Smith’s suspension will cost him $514,000 in base salary and $1.75 million in missed roster bonuses, according to Mike Garafolo.
In 2015, Smith has gathered 28 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, and three pass defenses over the course of nine games. Pro Football Focus currently rates Smith as the No. 13 overall outside linebacker out of 51 qualifying players.
Looking for the latest NFL Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow NFL Trade Rumors on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NFL News and Rumors for all 32 teams!
